§ 81. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what action he is taking in view of the raising by the New Zealand Government of primage duties on a number of products from 3 per cent. to 5 per cent., although under the Ottawa Agreement these were to be reduced?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I think that the hon. Member may be under some misapprehension. The primage duty in New Zealand still remains at 3 per cent. ad valorem, and only applies to imported goods, whether United Kingdom or foreign, which are otherwise free of Customs duty. A sales tax of 5 per cent. has, however, just been imposed by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand on the sale value of certain goods, and I understand that this tax is chargeable upon all goods to which it relates, whether imported or locally produced.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that to be consistent with the spirit of the Ottawa Agreements?
Mr. THOMASThe hon. Member asked me in his question what action I was taking in view of the raising of primage duties by the New Zealand Government. I have just said that that has not been done.