BRITISH IMPORT DUTIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21627, 23 April 1932, Page 12

BRITISH IMPORT DUTIES

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ‘ FIRST REPORT ISSUED. ■iu__ . V (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, April 21. , (Received, April 22, at 8 p.m.) The Treasury issued the first report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, which imposes extra duties on a wide range of articles, mainly manufactured. Those will come into operation at midnight on Monday. The main proposal is to raise the present general rate from 10 per cent, to 20. The* committee explains that it was unable to make a detailed ‘ examination of each class of imports and had to rely on general information in order to cover as wide a field as possible and prevent a possible revival of abnormal importations.

The cbmmittee points out that the 50 per' cent, which was levied under the Abnormal Importations Act was intended to be practically prohibitive. The safeguarding duties of 33 1-3- per cent, applied only to a few selected commodities., and they could not generalise therefrom regarding the effect of the duties applied to a large section of industry. The committee therefore decided to work on the lines of a general additional duty of 10 per cent., with a lower rate on certain products where special considerations arise and higher rates on luxuries and semi-luxuries.

The 20 per cent, category includes certain canned "vegetables, most pottery, glassware, metal furniture, cutlery, machinery, tools, electrical goods, textile apparel, boots, shoes, saddlery, paper, rubber manufactures, brooms and brtisbes. The 15 per cent, category includes agricultural machinery, tools, and a considerable range of building materials. The 25 per cent. cntegory includes fruit pulp, photographic paper, leather trunks, guns and sports goods. The 30 per cent, category includes oysters, caviare, toilet preparations, artificial flowers, furs, jewellery and' silversmiths’ wares. ~ t !, The committee recommended an additional duty of 23 1-3, making 33 1-3 for a minimum check on abnormal importations until the committee has had time to consider and submit a more permanent scheme. . j . The committee emphasises that the present proposals aye provisional, but it will not recommend any reductions during the coming 12 months. It is noteworthy that few agricultural products are included. Wool manufactures come under the 20 per cent, ad valorem duty, and yarns under 10 per cent. Thus, the duty on these has been reduced; from the 50 per cent, imposed under the Abnormal Importations Act on November 20, 1931. PRESS COMMENT ON TARIFFS. LONDON, April 22. (Received April 23, at 0.5 a.ni.) The Conservative press welcomes the new tariffs. The Times says; “The scheme gives the impression that the Government is. developing its tariff policy with' moderation and resolution. Its experimental and constructive character lias been carefully preserved.” The Daily Herald says: “When the full effects of the new burdens on the consumer and the housewife arc felt the electors .will demand penance.” The News-Chronicle describes the duties as a disaster, and demands a prompt announcement that we are willing to remove or lower them in favour of any nation that is willing to do the same, otherwise the blow to our export trade jnay be irremediable.