§ 56. Major PROCTERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that the customs officials in Manchester are making cotton waste dutiable; and, in view of the fact that cotton waste is on the Free List, will he give immediate instructions?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand, however, that two small consignments of goods described by the importer as unmanufactured cotton waste—which is the only description of cotton waste exempted from the general ad valorem duty—have been temporarily detained by the local customs officials at Manchester, as they were not satisfied that the goods were exempt from duty. A decision in regard to these will be given as soon as possible. Meanwhile delivery of the goods can be obtained on depositing a sum sufficient to cover any duty which may be found to be chargeable.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is some discrepancy between the trade description of unmanufactured cotton waste, and the description given in the Import Duties Act; and will this matter be looked into immediately?