§ Sir R. Clarryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will give a brief explanation of the reasons for the introduction by his Department of Statutory Rule and Order, No. 472;
(2) whether he will give a brief explanation of the reasons for the introduction by his Department of Statutory Rule and Order, No. 471?
§ Sir K. WoodThe Import Duties (Exemptions) (No. 2) Order, 1943 (S.R. & O. 1943, No. 471) continues for a further year the exemption of fresh shell fish from the generalad valorem import duty. Prior to this exemption the catch of certain Allied fishermen operating from ports in this country was subject to 30 per cent. duty, a position inconsistent with the general policy of allowing them to operate as nearly as possible on equal terms with our own fishermen. The temporary removal of the duty was agreed to by the Dominions interested, and they have agreed to the extension of the period. The additional Import Duties (No. 1), Order (S.R. & O. 1943, No. 472) is ancillary to the above Exemption Order and is purely formal in character, since exemption from additional import duty follows automatically when imports are exempted from the general ad valorem duty.