Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the import of broom-handles is prohibited while the import of wooden tool-handles is permitted; whether he will state what distinction is drawn between the two articles; whether he is aware that the identical article is prohibited under one description and admitted under another, and that goods admitted as tool-handles are afterwards sold and utilised as broom-handles to the injury of traders who have been prohibited from importing broom-handles; and whether a person who imports wooden tool-handles and afterwards sells them as broom-handles is liable to any penalties?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe importation of broom and tool-handles is prohibited under the heading of wood manufactures, but tool-handles of ash and hickory are for the present being admitted under general licence. In cases of doubt the goods are detained as broom-handles, and the importers are referred to the Department of Import Restrictions for a licence. In such cases a licence would be granted only on satisfactory evidence that the goods were tool-handles.