HC Deb 08 November 1932 vol 270 cc175-7
25. Sir M. WOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the effect of the new import duties on the golf-club-making industry; whether he is aware that the timbers, persimmon and hickory, from which clubs are made, are grown only in the United States of America and that about 75 per cent. of the output of British golf-club makers is sent overseas; and whether, seeing that the duties operate as a preference in favour of foreign manufacturers, he will take action to ensure an early reconsideration of the question of these duties?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am informed that applications on behalf of the golf-club-making industry in connection with the import duties in question, have already been made to the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Sir M. WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question has been before them for a very considerable time, and can be do anything to expedite a decision in the matter?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have no doubt that these subjects are dealt with in the order of importance.

48. Major - General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of refunding duty levied on specialised machinery (not manufactured in this country) imported in the period between the 1st March, when such duty was first imposed by the Imports Duties Act, and the 16th June, when the Finance Act was passed, Section 10 of which provided for the issue of licences permitting the importation of such machinery free of duty, in consideration of the fact that the early importation of this machinery enabled firms to employ several hundred extra hands who would otherwise have remained idle during the summer months?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

I regret that there is no power to refund the duty paid in the case referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Sir A. KNOX

Will my right hon. Friend take into consideration the extreme hardship on a firm which ordered machinery before the Import Duties were imposed? The machinery had not arrived and was actually on the high seas when the duties were imposed. The firm might have allowed the machinery to remain in bond and not have been mulcted in a fine of £1,000 by taking it out in order to give employment.

56. Mr. CURRY

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in what cases the Import Duties Advisory Committee have recommended a drawback on exported goods; and in what cases effect has been given to that recommendation?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

The only recommendations regarding drawback that have been received from the Import Duties Advisory Committee are those to which effect has been given by the Import Duties (Drawback) (No. 1) Order,1932. The Order, and the recommendations on which it is based, will be found in Command Paper No. 4157.