§ Major CRAWFURDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the delay at the ports in handling dutiable silk goods and the consequent loss and inconvenience to traders; and whether steps are being taken, particularly with regard to the definition and classification of dutiable silks, to remedy this state of things?
§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the delay in getting delivery from the ports of goods affected by the silk duties; and whether, in the circumstances, he will instruct the customs authorities to issue a definite explanation of the duties.
Mr. GUINNESSI would refer the hon. Members to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for the West Leicester Division (Mr. Pethwick-Lawrence). Printed notices explaining the duties have already been circulated to the public and I am sending the hon. Members copies of them. If they will let me know the points on which they think further explanation is necessary the matter will be considered.