HC Deb 26 February 1957 vol 565 c1031
32. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the annual revenue which would he derived from an import duty of 10 per cent. on all imported meat, other than imports from Commonwealh countries.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

About £4 million a year. My hon. Friend will be aware that some of these goods are already liable to duty at varying rates.

Mr. Baldwin

In view of the fact that the 10 per cent. duty on bacon brings in a revenue of approximately £8 million and does not increase the price of bacon, does not my right hon. Friend think it would be advisable to put a tax on imported meat and so save the taxpayer some of the cost of the deficiency payments to home producers?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Questions of tariffs in particular cases are for the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. T. Williams

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks that the suggestion of his hon. Friend is one more effort to reduce the cost of living?