Temporary Import Charge

HC Deb 14 March 1967 vol 743 cc52-3W

95. Mr. Temple

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has sought and obtained estimates of the extent to which imports of surchargeable goods were held up in anticipation of its removal at the end of November, 1966.

96. Mr. Birch

asked the President of the Board of Trade what he estimates to have been the extent to which imports of surchargeable goods were held up in anticipation of its removal at the end of November, 1966.

Mr. Darling

It is not possible to make precise estimates. Nevertheless, it seems clear from the run of figures before and after the removal of the charge that the holding up of imports of goods subject to the charge took place on a considerable scale.

97. Mr. Grant

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has sought and obtained estimates of the likely temporary after-effect of the removal of the import surcharge on stocks of imported goods.

Mr. Hordern

asked the President of the Board of Trade what he estimates to be the likely temporary after-effect of the removal of the import surcharge on stocks of imported goods.

Mr. Darling

No.

98. Mr. Rossi

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has sought and obtained estimates of the likely permanent effect on United Kingdom imports of the temporary import surcharge.

99. Mr. Temple

asked the President of the Board of Trade what he estimates to be the likely permanent effect on United Kingdom imports of the temporary import surcharge.

Mr. Darling

No.