§ Mr. MYERSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with the holding up of imports in Manchester under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, he can state how many of the necessary documents filled up and sent in by the importers in April have not yet been dealt with nor the goods released; whether he is aware that the delay experienced is resulting in a corresponding delay in payment to the manufacturers for the goods, thus prejudicing the position of the importers; and whether special arrangements will be made to have all goods released as soon as the necessary steps have been taken?
Mr. YOUNGAbout 16,000 claims for exemption from the provisions of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act have been received by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, of which about 10,000 were received in the month of April, but I am unable to say how many of these were from Manchester. The examination of this mass of claims must necessarily occupy a considerable time, especially as in a large number of cases the evidence submitted in the first instance was incomplete. But in order so far as possible to obviate inconvenience and delay to importers, the Commissioners have from the outset allowed immediate delivery of goods claimed to be exempt on bond being given to pay the levy if the claim is not substantiated. Every effort is being made to deal with the claims on hand as rapidly as is possible.