§ 46. Mr. LEACHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in regard to Cmd. 5108 increasing the duty on shoe leather from abroad to 30 per cent., whether any consultation has taken place with the representatives of those who may lose as well as those who may profit by the increased duty before the decision was made?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)In accordance with their usual practice the Import Duties Advisory Committee issued an announcement of the application through the public Press and invited representations from interested parties. I have no doubt that they gave full consideration to all the representations made to them.
§ Mr. LEACHDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is a bad thing to take any action at the present time which is likely to increase the cost of boots; and, further, do not these continual alterations in the existing duties tend to promote log-rolling?
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that leather, which is now charged with a duty of 30 per cent., is, if imported in the shape of ready-made boots and shoes, liable to a duty of only 20 per cent.; and does he think that is conducive to finding employment for British workers in the making up of leather
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThose are all matters which are being considered by the appropriate body, the Import Duties Advisory Committee.