HC Deb 15 May 1933 vol 278 cc16-7
49. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the proposed tariff truce, it is the intention of the Government not to act for the time being on recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee involving new or increased duties?

46. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the terms of the proposed tariff truce would, if adopted, prevent the import Duties Advisory Committee, during the continu- ance of the truce, recommending, and the Treasury imposing, any additional duties?

50. Mr. REMER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that in any tariff truce negotiations care will be taken to ensure that the silk and rayon industry shall not be deprived of the opportunity promised to it by the Government to apply for protection through the machinery of the Import Duties Advisory Committee?

51. Mr. BERNAYS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an undertaking that this House will not be asked to approve of any recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee for increased tariffs while the Economic Conference is in session?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

As the Prime Minister has already explained, the object of the truce is to discourage the starting of new upward initiatives in the adjustment of tariffs and other economic devices, and it is not intended to prevent the completion of operations already begun. Acting in this spirit, the Import Duties Advisory Committee will continue to carry out their statutory obligations, including the receipt and examination of applications for new or altered duties, but the Government will, during the operation of the truce, refrain from making orders for increases of Customs duties in respect of any applications which had not been received by the committee before the 12th May.

Mr. LEVY

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, am I to understand with regard to the Silk Duties—if I may specifically mention them—that the Advisory Board will make their recommendations and that the tariff truce will not prevent them being put into force, owing to the space of time which has to elapse before the Financial Resolution can fructify?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

In the case of the particular duties mentioned by the hon. Member, the application was made before the 12th May.

Mr. LEVY

Thank you.