§ 66. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the assent of the Import Duties Advisory Committee has been obtained upon all occasions before the imposition of an import duty both for manufactured goods and agricultural products; and whether on any occasion the application has been made to the committee by the Government Department concerned?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. W. S. Morrison)Apart from duties imposed by the direct action of this House and from special duties such as those under the Irish Free State (Special Duties) Act, 1932, and duties in respect of foreign discrimination under Part II of the Import Duties Act, 1932, no duties can be imposed or increased except upon a recommendation made to the Treasury by the Import Duties Advisory Committee. On no occasion has application been made by a Government Department to the Committee for the presentation of such a recommendation.
§ Mr. LEACHDoes the Financial Secretary find that this committee has been working overtime to make things dearer all round for the country
§ Mr. MORRISONNo, Sir.