§ 13. Mr. Kitsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to exempt the organo phosphorous systemic insecticides from the 15 per cent. surcharge duty.
§ Mr. DiamondWe will consider this, along with other representations, when the charge comes under review, but I cannot make any commitment at present.
§ 45. Mr. Goodhewasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what yield he estimates he will receive from the 15 per cent. import surcharge as a result of the modifications made to the list of goods on which it is charged during the Finance Bill's passage through the House; and what was his original estimate of the yield.
§ Mr. DiamondMy right hon. Friend's original estimate of the revenue expected from the charge, on the basis of the initial rate and coverage, was of an annual rate of the order of £200 million. The amendments to the scheme since 26th October are unlikely to affect the original estimates significantly.
§ 60. Mr. Ennalsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Betatron obtained by voluntary subscription for use at St. Luke's Hospital, Guildford, will be exempted from the 15 per cent. import surcharge.
§ Mr. DiamondThis machine has been relieved from the charge.
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§ 65. Mr. Victor Yatesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he has imposed a surcharge of 15 per cent. upon the importation of imitation glass stones whilst expressly excluding semi-precious and synthetic stones; if he is aware that the imitation jewellery industry makes a larger contribution to the export trade considering the high conversion value of their imported materials; and if he will review the matter.
§ Mr. DiamondWe could not make any distinction among manufactured glass products; but we have safeguarded the export trade of the imitation jewellery industry by the arrangements provided for the repayment of the charge when goods are exported.