§ 58. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the twenty biggest, in percentage, of the tariffs or protections to British industry that will be lost as a result of the adoption by the United Kingdom of the European Free Trade proposals.
§ Sir D. EcclesI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Yardley (Mr. Usborne) on 19th February, in which a list of goods bearing ad valorem duties of more than 33⅓ per cent. was given. With permission, I will also circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the main classes of goods which are subject to ad valorem duties of 33⅓ per cent.
§ Mr. OsborneHave the trades affected made any protest to my right hon. Friend? Has he been in contact with them?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am not sure about protests but, of course, I have been in contact with them. There is appropriate machinery in the Board of Trade whereby 1306 any trade which desires to know what its future may be under these proposals can seek advice, and trades are so doing.
Following is the list—The following are the main classes of goods subject to a duty of 33⅓ per cent. ad valorem when imported into the United Kingdom, if they do not qualify for Imperial Preference:
- A few iron and steel manufactures.
- Scientific and lamp-blown glassware, and laboratory porcelain.
- Scientific instruments (most types).
- Cinematograph projectors and some cameras.
- Wireless valves and vacuum tubes.
- A wide range of chemicals, including most synthetic organic and fine chemicals.
- Watches and most clocks.
- Pianos and certain other musical instruments.
- Certain apparel containing silk and artificial silk.