§ 21. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade how many machines have been imported into the United Kingdom since the duty-free import of machinery not procurable in the United Kingdom was suspended in 1952; and, since this duty adds to our export costs and therefore makes sales abroad more difficult, if he will take steps to ensure the reversal of this policy.
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§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe provisions for the duty-free licensing of machinery under Section 10 of the Finance Act, 1932, have been suspended since the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech on 11th March last year. In the nine months, April to December, 1952, the value of imports into the United Kingdom of machinery of all kinds amounted to about £82 million.
As my hon. Friend is well aware, the administration of Section 10 has given rise to many difficult problems, both; of policy and of practical application.. I propose accordingly, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, to appoint an independent Committee to review the whole question of duty free entry for machinery, and I hope soon to be able to make an announcement about this Committee.