§ 46. Mr. LYONSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of applications for duties and/or drawbacks before the Import Duties Advisory Board on which no decision has yet been given; and the period covered by such applications?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given on 15th December last to a similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for West Nottingham (Mr. Caporn).
§ Mr. CAPORNWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the chairman of the Import Duties Advisory Committee and see if it is possible to find some means by which the hearing of these applications may be expedited?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have been in communication on previous occasions with the chairman of the Committee on the matter, and he assures me that there is no unnecessary delay and that these applications do receive the constant attention of the Committee.
§ Mr. LYONSMay I ask whether the chairman of the Committee really feels that the Committee is at the present time very much overworked?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think the chairman of the Committee does feel that.
§ Mr. EVERARDCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of the decisions that have been reached by the Advisory Committee are being held up by the Government?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI must have notice of that question.