§ 51. Mr. MABANEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, by reason of the fact that two months or more are required for the execution of orders in the wool textile trade, orders to manufacturers in Huddersfield and other parts of the West Riding are being held up owing to the uncertainty as to the position when the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act will have expired; and whether, in order to enable orders to be placed with certainty, he can say when a pronouncement will be made as to what customs duties, if any, will be imposed upon wool textiles after the expiration of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act?
§ Major ELLIOTI am aware that uncertainty does exist. I cannot say when the Advisory Committee are likely to present any recommendations to the Treasury, but I am satisfied that they have fully in mind the desirability of reducing the period of uncertainty as much as possible.
§ Mr. MABANEIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that some foreign manufacturers are endeavouring to exploit the situation by offering to accept orders and to stand the difference of any duty over 25 per cent., and to accept cancellation of the order, if the 50 per cent. duty remains?
§ Major ELLIOTAs I say, these matters are, in fact, very much in the minds of the trading community. We are aware of that and the Advisory Committee is aware of that also.