§ Mr. ATKINSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Messrs. Walter Ibbotson and Company (Manchester), Limited, sent a sample of manilla board to the Customs House, London, on the 12th October last, and asked for a ruling as to its being dutiable, pointing out that certain orders for the board depended on the ruling upon the sample, and that despite two further requests so far they have failed to get a ruling; and whether he will take steps to have the required ruling given?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret that it has not been possible to arrive at an earlier decision in this case. The sample forwarded with the company's original communication to the Customs was admittedly not a sample of the actual article it was intended to import and after examination it was found necessary to ask the company for a sample of the actual goods. This they were not in a position to furnish, but on the 6th November they forwarded a further small sample stating that the intended importation when completed would resemble this. This sample was too small for an analysis to be made. All that can be said is that, so far as the articles imported are identical with the last sample submitted, it is improbable that any liability to duty will arise. The company is being informed accordingly.