§ 18. Brigadier - General Sir HENRY CROFTasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the large increase which has taken place in the imports of certain manufactured articles since the issue by him in April last of the order withdrawing the duties imposed under the Abnormal Importations Act; and what steps he proposes taking in the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware that imports of certain manufactured goods have increased since the revocation of the Orders made under the Abnormal Importation (Custom Duties) Act. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, that legislation was a temporary measure and it is now open to any trade to take advantage of the procedure laid down in the Import Duties Act which replaced it and to make representations to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for such a rate of duty as their case merits.
§ Sir H. CROFTHas my right hon. Friend's attention been called to the fact that since the 50 per cent. duties on cotton piece goods were reduced the imports have increased from 556,000 square yards to 1,457,000 square yards, and will he look into the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI will certainly look into those figures.
§ Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEHas my right hon. Friend's attention been called to the fact that the average monthly imports of cottons are now three times as great as in the first four months of this year, when the 50 per cent. duty was in operation
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat may well be, but the 50 per cent. duties were temporary duties, put on for a temporary purpose.
§ Mr. SPEAKERFurther questions had better be put on the Paper.