69. Mr. A. RAMSAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the importation of typewriters from the United States of America was 12,925 in the month of November last, being four times as great as in any previous month this year; that this follows upon an advertisement by the Import Duties Advisory Committee, issued on 12th October last, to the effect that British manufacturers had made application for a higher duty; and that the committee have not yet published a decision; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent forestalling of this description?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am aware of the position indicated in the first three parts of the question. It has not been the practice to take steps of the nature suggested, in respect of goods which form 1306 the subject of applications under consideration by the Import Duties Committee, who may or may not recommend any increase of duty.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHCan the hon. Gentleman say whether, having regard to the fact that a number of these applications have been held up, he will take steps later on to prevent any undue delay 2
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir. I do not think that there will be any undue delay.