HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc541-2
25. Mr. Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade what rate of import duty is at present paid on cotton piece goods imported into the United Kingdom from India.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No duty is chargeable on cotton piece goods imported from India provided that the usual conditions of Imperial Preference relating to proof of origin and consignment of the goods are complied with to the satisfaction of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

26. Mr. Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade what rate of import duty will be payable on cotton piece goods imported into the United Kingdom from Japan under the recently announced trade agreement; and what rebate will be pay able on the re-export of such goods.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Foreign cotton piece goods are generally liable to an import duty of 17½ per cent. ad valorem, though if the goods in any way resemble lace or are embroidered, they would be charged 25 per cent. ad valorem. These duties apply to imports from Japan as from other foreign countries. Drawback of the import duty paid is allowable on these textiles if they are exported as piece goods.