HC Deb 26 July 1933 vol 280 c2580
38. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that there is at the present time. with exchange and duty, a restriction of 80 per cent. on British traps exported to Australia; and whether he is taking any steps to obtain a reduction in this level?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

I am aware that the duty in the Commonwealth of Australia on United Kingdom rabbit traps is at a high level, but it has also to be remembered that, since the Ottawa Conference, the alternative specific duty of 10s. per dozen on such traps, and also the primage duty of 10 per cent. ad valorem, have been removed. The present duty of 45 per cent. ad valorem on United Kingdom rabbit traps (which is 20 per cent. ad valorem less than the corresponding ad valorem duty on foreign rabbit traps) was recommended by the Commonwealth Tariff Board in December, 1932.

Mr. MANDER

But is my right hon. Friend aware that in spite of that, the 45 per cent. duty is still prohibitive, and that this situation is causing widespread unemployment in Wednesfield, the centre of the trap industry in this country; and will he continue to use his best endeavours to get a reduction?

Mr. THOMAS

I am not unmindful of the importance of rabbit traps, but I have equally in mind the Debate to-morrow, and I hope to give my hon. Friend all the information that I have on the subject.