§ Major OWENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a consignment of crude precipitated phosphate of lime, a by-product of gelatine manufacture, which was landed at Grimsby on 27th August last, was detained by His Majesty's Customs on the plea that it was liable to key industry duty that the importing firm have made representations to His Majesty's Customs and have produced evidence to show that the consignment consisted solely of a crude raw material not coming within the category of purity to which the duty applies; that up to the present the matter has remained under the consideration of the Department; that no definite decision has been given, and that the consignment is still being detained and the British manufacturing firm hampered in the carrying on of its industry; and whether the decision in this case can be expedited and the consignment released without further delay?
Mr. SAMUELA decision has now been arrived at that the material in question must be regarded as liable to duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921. The importers have been informed accordingly. The delay in reaching a decision, which is regretted, was due to the necessity for a careful investigation and consideration of the facts of the case. I may add that immediate delivery of the consignment in question could have been obtained by the importers at any time, on a deposit being made to cover any duty which might prove to be payable.