HC Deb 20 July 1933 vol 280 cc1987-8
44. Colonel GOODMAN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether tooth-brushes, such as are now being sold in this country in cartons bearing the imprint "Made in Canada," and on the handle in gilt lettering the words "Made in Canada," and in small lettering "Made in Japan," are charged with the general ad valorem duty or additional duty or both such duties; or whether they are being treated as goods consigned from, and manufactured in, a part of the British Empire entitled to imperial preference and to admission free of duty?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am informed that no importation of tooth-brushes bearing the marks described can be traced. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with details of any par- titular consignment, I will have further inquiries made.

Colonel GOODMAN

Will the hon. Member accept from me these samples which were purchased from London chemists, as proof of the statement in the question?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I shall be very happy to do so. That is what I asked my hon. and gallant Friend to present me with. I shall be happy to receive them as prima facie evidence of such importation, but, if they bear the description that he gives in the question, they will be liable to forfeiture under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887. Therefore, my hon. Friend will excuse me if I do not return to him the tooth brushes.