HC Deb 08 December 1936 vol 318 cc1806-7
46. Colonel Sir EDWARD RUGGLESBRISE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee relating to the application for a duty on dairy products was received by the Treasury some months ago, what is the reason for the delay in making the contents of the report known and whether the Government intend taking action on the lines of the report?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

Negotiations have been in progress for some time with the countries concerned for a further reduction of imports of these commodities, and certain marketing arrangements are under discussion between the importers and the home manufacturers. Action on the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee has accordingly been deferred for the present.

Sir E. RUGGLES-BRISE

In view of the great importance to the industry of making known the result of the application, could not the recommendation of the Committee be published?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think we had better see what happens.

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Has notice of renunciation been given to the parties concerned in the agreements that expire on 31st December?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot say without notice.