§ 50. Mr. R. T. EVANSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the reduction in British exports of tinned, terne, and other coated plates since 1932; and whether, seeing that the Import Duties Advisory Committee have imposed a tariff of 33⅓ per cent. on imported bars, he will now take steps to secure a drawback of duty in respect of exported plates?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Duff Cooper)I am aware that there was a decline of about 14 per cent. in the quantity of coated plates and sheets of United Kingdom manufacture exported in 1934, as compared with 1932. The question whether a drawback scheme in this case would be in the national interest is one in the first instance for the Import Duties Advisory Committee under Section 9 of the Finance Act, 1932, and I have no doubt that they will give full consideration to the position disclosed by the trade statistics in the light of the many important interests involved.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSHave any complaints been received as to the price effect of the duty of 33⅓ per cent.?
§ Mr. COOPERNot so far as I am aware.