§ Sir S. CHAPMANasked the, Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of Customs Duty is expected from articles not heretofore specified made wholly or in part of silk or artificial silk at 33i per cent. on the value of the article?
Mr. GUINNESSIt is not possible to make a close estimate, but it is expected that the yield from the ad valorem duty will be at least £350,000 in a full year
§ Mr. RILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the proposed duties on silk and what is described as artificial silk have already resulted in business being held up in Manchester; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in order to remove the present uncertainty and restore business confidence?
Mr. GUINNESSThe Government is in communication with representatives of the trades concerned, and I would ask the hon. Member to await the results of these consultations