§ 71. Mr. Blakerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he had with other countries before introducing his proposals for deposits on imports; what other countries operate a comparable system of deposits affecting British exports; and if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of such countries with details of their schemes.
§ Mr. DiamondWe had such discussions with other Governments as were practicable in the circumstances. A number of other countries operate schemes of 179W import deposits which have similarities to our system though they are not identical.
§ 72. Mr. Onslowasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional number of non-industrial civil servants who will be required to administer the import deposit scheme.
§ Mr. DiamondIt is estimated that when in full operation the scheme will occupy about 250 staff in Customs and Excise, of whom about 175 will be required in the first two or three months.