§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will estimate the likely effect of 245W the new furniture fire safety regulations on inventory charges to suppliers of furnishing fabrics arising from dual stocking for domestic and foreign markets.
§ Mr. ButcherIt is not practicable to provide a worthwhile estimate of the possible effect of the draft furniture fire safety regulations on inventory changes arising from dual stocking although if manufacturers and wholesalers adopt this course there will undoubtedly be some additional cost.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimate he has made of the effect on United Kingdom exports of fabrics to Australia arising from the 40 per cent. import duty rate on heavier grades instead of 2 per cent. following implementation of the proposed new furniture fire safety regulations.
§ Mr. ButcherNo estimate has been made of the effects on exports to any particular country, either in respect of tariffs or non-tariff harriers, of the proposed new furniture fire safety regulations. The regulations will not apply to exports.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consideration he gave in formulating the new furniture fire safety regulations to the effect of fire retardant treatments on the weight of fabrics for export.
§ Mr. ButcherThe draft Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations will exclude exports. Any effect on the weight of fabrics resulting from fire retardant treatment from the United Kingdom market has not been a major consideration in drafting these regulations.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimate he has made of the impact of the new furniture fire safety regulations on exports to non-EEC countries.
§ Mr. ButcherNo such estimate has been made.