HC Deb 29 January 1934 vol 285 cc22-3
34. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the approximate percentage change in the volume of retained imports of wholly or mainly manufactured goods in Class III, which are dutiable under the Import Duties Act, in the year 1933 as compared with the year 1923?

Dr. BURGIN

As the answer is long, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. WILLIAMS

As the answer contains only one figure cannot the hon. Gentleman give it?

Dr. BURGIN

The answer asks for the approximate percentages, and there is a good deal of information.

Mr. LIDDALL

Is the Minister aware that spare parts—steel and bi-metal—are still on the 25 per cent. list and that customers' factories and mills are closing down awaiting the spares French manufacturers cannot supply?

Following is the answer:

I regret that the precise information desired is not available. The volume of retained imports during 1933 of all articles wholly or mainly manufactured was 12.4 per cent. less than in 1924. Comparison with 1923 is impracticable owing to the different statistical treatment of the Irish Free State in that year. The value of articles wholly or mainly manufactured dutiable only under the Import Duties Act, which were entered for home consumption during the period March to December, 1932, amounted to £62.2 million, or 54 per cent. of the total value of retained imports of all such articles during the same period. Of this amount, £13.1 million represents the value of Empire goods admitted free of duty. Corresponding particulars in respect of 1933 are not yet available.

53. Mr. LYONS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the industries whose claims for additional duty are still awaiting a decision by the Import Duties Advisory Committee?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My right hon. Friend does not think that in the interests of the industries concerned it would be desirable to publish a special list of goods upon which import duties may be in contemplation.

Mr. LYONS

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, in his opinion, any machinery is necessary to prevent the forestalling that takes place from time to time, when great changes are about to be made by the tribunal?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Those matters are always under observation.