§ Captain CROOKSHANKasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the duty on travesty wigs, used for theatrical purposes, entering Australia is 1,200 per cent.; whether he is aware that this industry gives employment to a number of women in this country; and will he make representations to the Commonwealth Government with a view to reducing the duty, which is almost prohibitory in character?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe present duty on wigs of United Kingdom manufacture is 10s. each, or 20 per cent. ad valorem, which ever rate returns the higher duty. The average value of wigs imported under the preferential tariff into Australia is between £2 and £3 each, so that the hon. Member's statement that the duty is equivalent to 1,200 per cent. is difficult to understand. This duty has been in force for several years, and I do not think that representations to the Commonwealth Government would serve any useful purpose.