§ 5. Sir A. KNOXasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the duty on furniture of British manufacture on import into Canada and South Africa, respectively; and what duty is imposed on Canadian and South African furniture on import into Great Britain?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Canadian Customs duty on all types of United Kingdom furniture is 18 per cent. ad valorem. The duties imposed by the Union of South Africa are, generally, 20 per cent. ad valorem on metal furniture and 25 per cent. ad valorem on wooden furniture. Canadian and South African furniture enter the United Kingdom duty free.
§ Sir A. KNOXDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider this arrangement fair to our furniture manufacturers here?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf they have a serious grievance, it is open to them to bring it before the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that they can bring before the Import Duties Advisory Committee an application for a duty on Empire goods?