§ 53. Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the Government's policy relating to the sale of British-owned vessels to foreign countries, which takes place owing to the 20 per cent. duty on foreign-built ships entering this country to be broken up?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)No, Sir. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for North Bristol (Mr. Bernays) on the 14th March, the matter is one for the consideration of the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the first place.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONIs my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable feeling in the shipbreaking trade that the Import Duties Advisory Committee are neglecting this question, and that it is alleged 492 that they do nothing beyond merely acknowledging the receipt of correspondence in this connection?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am surprised and sorry to hear the suggestion of my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BERNAYSWill my hon. Friend make personal investigations into these charges that this duty is resulting in a loss of trade to this country?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe Import Duties Advisory Committee exists for that purpose, and I cannot usurp its functions.
§ Mr. BERNAYSWill my hon. Friend see that the Import Duties Advisory Committee is doing its work in this matter?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am satisfied that it is.