§ 52. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain countries require United Kingdom goods to be valued on importation at market prices prevailing in the United Kingdom; and whether, under these circumstances, he is prepared to introduce legislation for similar treatment of the goods of those countries when arriving in the United Kingdom?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Duff Cooper)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.
§ 58. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish a list of the countries which require that, for the purpose of customs duties, the valuation of goods exported from the United Kingdom shall not be less than the market price in the United Kingdom of similar goods, even in cases where the market price in the United Kingdom includes an excise duty; and, further, whether he will state which of these countries, if any, require either an affidavit as to the market price in the United Kingdom and/or make the demand to inspect factory accounts in this country with a view to ascertaining prices?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The principal countries which assess ad valorem 559 customs duties on a valuation not less than current market value of the goods in the country of export are the United States of America, Finland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Newfoundland, Southern Rhodesia and some of the Colonies. Of these countries only Canada and the United States of America do not allow deduction of any excise duty. Canada requires an affidavit of current market value by the shipper of the goods in some cases, and both countries, as also Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa, maintain an investigation service to inquire, where necessary, as to domestic values in the principal exporting countries. I am not aware that a similar procedure is adopted by any other countries which are important markets for United Kingdom goods.
§ Mr. L. SMITHHaving regard to the difficulties which many industries have had through dumping in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiry made in order to find out whether the plan adopted by some of the Dominions, as well as by the United States, might not be adopted in this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI think we might well make a new examination of that point, and I will see whether anything can be done.