HC Deb 15 February 1938 vol 331 cc1691-2
23. Mr. Ralph Beaumont

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the rate of duty levied upon corsets imported into the United States of America?

Mr. Stanley

Corsets on importation into the United States of America are dutiable at 50 per cent. ad valorem or, if composed wholly or in part of elastic fabric, at 55 per cent. ad valorem, or, if ornamented with embroidery or lace, at 90 per cent.

Mr. Riley

Does the same duty apply to corsets for ladies and men?

Mr. Stanley

I think the hon. Member had better put that question down.

24. Mr. R. Beaumont

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of corsets imported into the United Kingdom from the United States of America in each of the last five years?

Mr. Stanley

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Beaumont

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these figures show a steady increase?

Mr. Stanley

My hon. Friend will have to judge from the figures. They appear to me to show some increase.

Mr. Sandys

Is my right hon. Friend aware that what the House really wants to know is whether there has been any appreciable restriction in volume?

Mr. Vyvyan Adams

Cannot my right hon. Friend tell us in round figures?

Following is the answer:

Separate particulars of the imports of corsets are not available, but the numbers of corsets, corset-belts, brassieres and the like imported into the United Kingdom and consigned from the United States during the last five years were as follow:

Dozens.
1933 8,087
1934 14,791
1935 16,966
1936 21,138
1937 27,309