§ 54. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the 20 per cent, duty payable on British-owned vessels built abroad if conveyed to British ports for breaking up purposes has resulted in ships being taken for demolition to countries where no such tax exists, and a consequent loss of employment for British shipyards; and whether he will revoke the order imposing the said duty?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am not aware that the imposition of a duty on ships imported for the purpose of breaking up has had the effect referred to by the hon. Member. It is, however, open to the interests concerned to make representations to the Import Duties Advisory Committee in regard to the matter.