HC Deb 26 July 1962 vol 663 c1703
5. Mr. Dugdale

asked the President of the Board of Trade what alteration he intends to make in the duty chargeable on the import of machines unobtainable in this country.

Mr. Erroll

None, Sir.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the Minister aware that my constituents know that a duty is charged, and that firms in my constituency, like those in the constituencies of other hon. Members, are trying their best to break into the export market? While they are perfectly willing to use British machines if they are available to make these goods, is it not extremely hard if they are not available to have to pay an import duty on the machines for making products for exports?

Mr. Erroll

In the case of machine tools, the duty was reduced from 17½ to 10 per cent. in exchange for our no longer operating the duty remission scheme. It was a matter of averaging out of different interests, and I think that the change was generally welcomed by users of British machine tools in this country as well as by the producers.

Mr. Dugdale

Was not that done some time ago and is it not possible to take further steps to abolish this duty altogether?

Mr. Erroll

If representations are made to me, I will, of course, be glad to consider them. I was, however, under the impression that the situation was regarded generally as satisfactory.