§ 13. Mr. Louis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that certain industries, such as rivet-manufacture, are depressed; and, having regard to the gradual increased prosperity of the shipbuilding industry since 1932, when certain shipyard material was exempted from the import duties then otherwise imposed, will he now consider the withdrawal of such exemption?
§ Dr. BurginI am not aware that the industry of rivet-manufacture is depressed. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. SmithMay I ask my hon. Friend whether he proposes to allow these exemptions to operate for an indefinite period or whether he proposes to investigate the conditions of the shipbuilding industry at an early date with a view to amendment?
§ Dr. BurginI think that the free entry of materials consigned to a registered shipyard is governed by Section II of the Import Duties Act, 1932, and I know of no proposal for altering that Section.