§ 5. Mr. Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that most countries tax the import of rayon on the basis of its being a silk product; if he has considered the deterrent effect this has upon our export of rayon goods: and what steps he is taking to bring the classification more in line with the present use and cost of rayon.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftYes, Sir. We shall continue to press overseas Governments as opportunity offers to reduce their duties on rayon by reclassification or otherwise as may be most appropriate.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs my right hon. Friend able to say what has happened since the previous representations were made on this issue?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftNaturally, we have not been as successful as we should wish 1541 —nobody ever is—but it has to be remembered that our own system of import duties places rayon rather nearer to silk than to cotton.