§ 64. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that it has been necessary during the past week to cancel two art exhibitions in London, in view of the decision of the Customs and Excise authorities that pen-and-ink drawings are subject to duty and do not qualify under the regulations setting out which categories of paintings and drawings may enter the country duty free; and whether he will make arrangements to rectify this omission at an early date?
§ Captain MARGESSONI have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, my hon. and learned Friend's attention has been drawn to an article in the Press relating to the matter mentioned, but I would point out that under the present tariff pen-and-ink drawings are liable to Customs duty. As regards the second part, the question of exempting such drawings from duty is one for consideration by the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the first instance, and it is open to the interests concerned to approach the committee in t he matter.