HC Deb 10 July 1952 vol 503 cc1506-7
35. Mr. Rhodes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many square yards of cotton grey cloth and rayon grey cloth were held by importers in this country under bond at 31st March, 1952.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Rhodes

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that his Customs and Excise officials are present when a bale of manufactured cotton goods from Japan is opened, and that returns are made by the finishers when those are processed? I do not see why we cannot have the figures.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Those returns are made as at the date either of the importation or of release from bond, but they do not involve the striking of a balance of quantities at a particular date.