§ 67. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is, to the latest available date, the number of timber houses imported from Sweden on which import duty has been paid, and what is the total sum collected; and if, in view of the high cost of housing, he will consider refunding the sums paid in duty by the local authorities.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallThe number of timber houses imported from Sweden between May, 1945, and December, 1948, was 5,001, and the duty paid was £433,997. I am not prepared to authorise the refund of the duty legally chargeable under the Import Duties Act, 1932, whether the houses were imported for local authorities or other persons.
§ Mr. HughesDoes my right hon. Friend agree that this is a heavy tax on housing, and will he pass on the suggestion to his right hon. Friend to reconsider this in his Budget statement?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI think that my hon. Friend forgets that there was a special subsidy on these houses.