HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 cc1039-40
42. Captain Orr

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the leather industry for the free-listing of raw goatskins.

Mr. J. Rodgers

My right hon. Friend has been urged by the British Kid Tanners' Association Ltd. to reconsider the rejection of its application for the removal of this duty, and he has told the association that, in present circumstances, he is not prepared to do so.

Captain Orr

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a serious matter for the British leather industry? Is he aware that many tanneries are on short-time and that a few have closed down throughout the country, and that is almost entirely due to this ad valorem duty?

Mr. Rodgers

All these factors were taken into account, but we have obligations to Commonwealth countries which supply about 95 per cent. of our imports.

Mr. Paget

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is also a serious matter for the boot and shoe trade, which is not getting the skins? Is he aware that India, the principal supplier, has already sold over 80 per cent. of the supply to the Russians and that these skins are simply not obtainable from Empire sources? Is he aware that the result is that this means that an advantage is being given to the foreign boot exporter who can buy the skins from which he makes boots very much cheaper than they can be bought in this country?

Mr. Rodgers

That is a point which I would certainly like to look into.

43. Captain Orr

asked the President of the Board of Trade what approaches he has made to the three countries to whom undertakings perpetuating the duty on raw goatskins were given.

Mr. J. Rodgers

The Commonwealth Governments concerned were approached early in 1958 when the Board of Trade announced publicly that an application by the British Kid Tanners' Association for the free-listing of goatskins was under examination.

Captain Orr

In view of the fact mentioned by the hon. and learned Member for Northampton (Mr. Paget) that Commonwealth countries are hardly supplying any duty-free goatskins at all, will my hon. Friend look at this matter again?

Mr. Rodgers

Certainly, but I think that my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that communication with Commonwealth countries on the question of preferences should be confidential.