HC Deb 14 March 1939 vol 345 cc206-7
65. Mr. Adamson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that bulbs from Holland may be imported into Eire free of duty and that cut flowers from these bulbs may then be imported free of duty from Eire into Northern Ireland, whereas Dutch bulbs imported into Northern Ireland and cut flowers imported into Eire from Northern Ireland are subject to duties; that the continuance of these conditions is likely to increase unemployment in Northern Ireland; and whether he will take action with a view to removing the Northern Ireland duties so that bulbs of foreign origin may be imported into that country on the same terms as into Eire?

Mr. Stanley

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. Any question of the removal of the duty imposed on bulbs imported into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a matter for consideration, in the first instance, by the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Mr. Adamson

Does that mean that representations can be made to the committee, seeing that they can do nothing with the Northern Ireland Government?

Mr. Stanley

If the object is to remove existing duties on bulbs coming into this country and Northern Ireland, application can be made to the Import Duties Advisory Committee to have them removed.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

By whom?

Mr. Stanley

By any party with an interest.