HC Deb 03 December 1931 vol 260 cc1263-4W
Major MILNER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that woollen felt and woven paper used for woollen slippers and basket-ware, respectively, are subject to duty under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, 1931, whilst the imported finished slippers and basket-ware are not so subject; and whether he will give reasons for the distinction and say what action he proposes to take?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to him and other hon. Members on 25th November last.

Marquess of CLYDESDALE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that in the month of October the imports of jute carpets were four times as great as those of the month of January and more than 50 per cent. in excess of those of the month of September, he will consider including jute carpets in the next Order made under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As my Noble Friend will see from the Schedule of the Order which was made on Monday last, the provisions of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act have been applied to imports of jute carpets.

Captain BULLOCK

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the abnormally large quantities of planed flooring now being imported from abroad; and whether he proposes to extend to this material the measure of protection afforded by the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, 1931, to articles in Class III of the Board of Trade Returns?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Planed flooring is not included among the articles in Class III of the Import and Export List. It is only Class III to which the powers under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act apply.