HC Deb 07 February 1933 vol 274 cc7-8
1. Mr. HOLDSWORTH

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that certain articles exported from this country to Canada, which were to be admitted free of duty under the terms of the Ottawa Agreements, have since the date of the Agreements been made subject to duty; and has this been done with the consent of His Majesty's Government?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will endeavour to give him an answer.

2. Mr. HOLDSWORTH

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that carving knives, which were admitted free of duty into Canada under item 429 of the Canadian tariff when imported from this country, have now been transferred to item 623 when they are imported in fancy boxes and are now subjected to duty; and whether he will make the appropriate representations to His Majesty's Government in Canada?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am informed that carving knives are dutiable under item 429 (b) at 15 per cent. ad valorem. Fancy boxes are dutiable separately under item 623 at 18 per cent. ad valorem. If the knives are imported in fancy boxes and the value of the knives apart from the boxes is not quoted, the duty is levied at 18 per cent. ad valorem on the complete article. I understand that sometimes in the past carving knives have in error been entered duty free under item 429 (d), and that these entries are being revised.

3. Mr. HOLDSWORTH

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a new definition of cotton fabrics, composed of counts of 100 or more, on the part of the customs authorities in Canada, has resulted in certain fabrics manufactured in this country being made dutiable which were admitted free of duty under the Ottawa Agreements; and if His Majesty's Government will make the appropriate representations?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir; the matter is now under discussion with His Majesty's Government in Canada.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Will representations be made now for a Board to be set up in Canada on this point? I understand that the Government only can make such representations.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I shall require notice of that question.