§ Sir J. WITHERSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Shaftesbury Homes and Arethusa Training Ship Society were recently compelled to purchase a new ship to replace their old training ship which was worn out, and that no British ship being available they were forced to buy a foreign ship on which they have been charged Import Duty to the extent of £668; and whether, in view of the fact that the society does a national service in training boys for the Royal Navy, this duty may be remitted?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy attention has been drawn to the facts of this case. General ad valorem duty is chargeable in respect of the vessel in question in the circumstances under which she was imported, and as there is no provision in the law for the exemption from Customs duty of goods on the ground suggested, I regret that I am unable to remit the duty chargeable in this case.