§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the President of the Board of Trade what were the results of his inquiry into the method of charging import duties on carpets containing man-made fibres which was announced on 21st May, 1968.
§ Mr. CroslandThe enquiry was made as a result of representations that a significant permanent increase in the duty on such carpets was likely to result from 81W making duty depend on the weight instead of the value of the man-made fibre content. The Board of Trade undertook to consider, in consultation with the trades and industries concerned, whether it was feasible to make some further lasting adjustment to the tariff. The enquiry has revealed that the change had little effect on carpets other than those containing rayon, and that any tariff adjustment in favour of carpets containing rayon would either reduce the duty payable on carpets containing other fibres or would re-introduce serious difficulties into the administration of the tariff. I have therefore decided that a further permanent adjustment to the tariff would not be justified.