§ 15. Mr. MANDERasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to implement the pledge given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that Dominion lead producers would not be allowed to exploit the British market as the result of the imposition of a duty on foreign lead?
§ Dr. BURGINA meeting has been held at the Board of Trade of representatives of producers and consumers of lead, to discuss the situation arising out of the Ottawa Agreements. The draft of an agreement, which includes a provision in regard to price, is now under consideration.
§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNECan the hon. Gentleman say whether the results of the discussions will be published?
§ Dr. BURGINI have no doubt that an opportunity will be taken, as was the case with the copper agreement, to make the agreement public when it has been signed.
§ 49. Mr. JOELasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the decision of the customs and excise authorities that duty amounting to £30,000 must be paid on a collection of modern diamond jewellery which it is desired to bring over to London from Paris for an exhibition and that such sum is not returnable when the jewellery is sent back to Paris after being shown; and whether, in view of the fact that such exhibition should be of benefit to the diamond industry of the Empire, he will arrange for the decision to be reconsidered?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)My attention has been drawn to the case referred to by my hon. Friend. Customs duty at the rate of 30 per cent. ad valorem would be chargeable on the importation of jewellery in question under the provisions of the Import Duties Act, 1932, and the Additional Import Duties (No. 1) Order, 1932, and in the absence of a drawback under the Second Schedule to the Act, there is no provision in the law whereby the duty may be repaid on the exportation of the jewellery.
§ Mr. JOELIn view of the probability of a similar situation arising on future occasions, will my right hon. Friend inquire into the possibility of treating goods brought into the country for exhibition purposes as though they are in bond?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINObviously, a good many considerations will arise, and in any case legislation would be required.
§ Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONDo pictures coming into the country pay duty and get no drawback, and, if so, why?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINBecause it is the law.
§ Commander LOCKER-LAMPSONWill my right hon. Friend change the law?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSHas the Chancellor of the Exchequer considered the possibility of making the place of exhibition a constructive warehouse for the duration of the exhibition, which is permitted under the Import Duties Act?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, I have considered that, but I do not think it is practicable.