HC Deb 25 April 1934 vol 288 cc1695-6
42. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Board of Customs and Excise are proposing to discontinue publication of the Liverpool Customs Bill of Entry; and if, in view of the inconvenience which would be caused thereby, he will cause that matter to be reconsidered?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

I am aware that it is proposed to discontinue publication of the Liverpool Customs Bill of Entry owing to the loss incurred in publication. The information hitherto published in this way will, however, be available to interested parties on payment of fees sufficient to cover the expense incurred in extracting the necessary figures.

Mr. WHITE

Will not the hon. Gentleman give further consideration to the point, bearing in mind that it is a serious thing to discriminate against one port in this matter, and will he make further inquiries and see if those who are benefiting by the information given will not be prepared to meet a charge towards the loss that has been sustained?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My hon. Friend is in error if he thinks this decision applies to one port only. It applies to all the ports concerned. Owing to the falling off of subscribers, the Treasury has been involved in a loss of £5,000 or £6,000 a year, and it is not considered appropriate that the taxpayer should sub-sidise sectional interests.

Mr. WHITE

Will not the hon. Gentleman give the matter further considera- tion in view of the feeling and the obvious inconvenience that will be caused not only to those in the port, but also to those in the interior markets of the country?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

We have offered to assist the interests concerned in any way that may appear to be suitable. If they make their application to us, all their requirements can be met, provided that they are in a position and willing to defray the cost.

Sir HERBERT SAMUEL

Is it the intention of the Treasury to give general application to the principle laid down, that it is not proper for the Treasury to subsidise sectional interests?

Sir JOHN SANDEMAN ALLEN

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the serious loss to trade generally, which will react more seriously on the Treasury than the small cost referred to?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

No, I do not think that is the case. I am sorry, in view of the presence of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Darwen (Sir H. Samuel) that I ventured to use the word principle.