HC Deb 10 June 1947 vol 438 c925

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Wadsworth (Buckrose)

The reason for my rising to speak on this Clause is to direct the Committee's attention to the large number of items upon which Import Duties are levied. It is not unusual for members of my party to speak on imports, for the time has gone when hon. Members, in any part of the House look upon the fiscal problem of tariffs or Free Trade in the absolute colours of black and white. I would ask the Chancellor to re-examine the whole question of Import Duties, for, out of the whole revenue of £3,400 million, only £21 million was raised in the last financial year on all Import Duties when levied for productive purposes under tariff legislation.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

On a point of Order. Is the hon. Member in Order in pursuing the question of Import Duties on a Clause which deals solely with excise matters?

The Chairman (Major Milner)

No, the hon. Member is not in Order in raising this matter now.

Mr. Wadsworth

In that case, I will ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to re-examine the question of the thousands of articles on which there is an Import Duty.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.