HC Deb 21 February 1933 vol 274 cc1569-70
56. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Customs authorities are charging 10 per cent, import duty on partly squared timber which is used for props and bars in coal mines; that no alternative supplies of such suitable timber are available at economic prices; and if he intends taking any action with a view to the removal of this duty?

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

I am aware that Customs duty is being charged, and quite properly, on timber which cannot be identified at the time of importation as coming within the existing statutory exemption in favour of wooden pit-props imported as such. The fact that the timber may be cut up after importation into props and bars for use in coal mines does not affect the position. As regards the second and third parts of the question, any representations which the interests concerned may wish to make should be addressed to the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Member not aware that a definite promise was given when the Bill was being passed that pit props would be exempt from import duty? Is he not also aware that large length partly squared timber is already entering this country and that it is being sawn to the requisite length here? Are we to understand that timber which is sawn to a certain length will not be taxed and that timber which comes in in long lengths and is sawn at the pit-head to the requisite length is to be taxed?

Mr. HOREBELISHA

With regard to the first part of the question, I am aware that that statement was made; and it is also the law that pit bars and poles are exempt from duty. What is not the law is that somebody can import other kinds of timber and then cut them up.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the Financial Secertary aware that the import duty on partly squared timber is regarded as a burden on a sorely depressed industry, and will he not make representations to the Advisory Committee that the duty should be removed?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

It is for the interests concerned to make representations.

Mr. REMER

Is my hon. Friend aware that the price of this timber, duty paid, is less now than when the duty was put on?

Mr. NUNN

Is the Financial Secretary aware that representations have been made by the interests concerned on that very point?

Sir H. SAMUEL

Is not the effect of this law to give a bounty to foreign sawmills?