TARIFF REVISION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21985, 21 June 1933, Page 12

TARIFF REVISION

DUTY ON IMPORTED CARPETS REQUEST FOR REDUCTION. (Special to Dailt Times.) WELLINGTON, June 20. A request for a reduction in Customs duties on imported carpets was made to the Tariff Commission to-day. ( - Mr William Manson, manager of Messrs James Temple and Co., Ltd., said his firm imported carpets and fugs. The prtesent duty on these articles was 25 per;' cent, which he considered was excessive for revenue purposes, and afforded unnecessarily high protection for local industries. There was only one New Zealand manufacturer and he practically confined his activities to making reversible rugs. Witness asked for a considerable reduction on the present duty. Up to October, 1927,/the rate of duty had been 20 per cent, and it was then raised to 25 per cent, on all carpets up to 60 square feet. In July, 1931, the rate was made uniform. The local firm had a 'steady demand for its rugs which were of good quality. Mi Craig pointed out that the tariff might have been raised for revenue purposes. Mr Manson: Yes, but we say it is too high. ~ . Professor Murphy: You are asking for a considerable reduction in the tariff. That is a little vague. What do you mean ? Mr Manson: We say that reasonable protection would be 15 per cent. We would like to see some method devised whereby the protection for the local manufacturer would be restricted to the particular article he is producing. Mr Gow: If the tariff were reduced do you think there would be an increased demand for carpets? Mr Manson: Yes,