On the Schedule, I wonder if the Minister would state what exactly the position is out of which Emergency Imposition of Duty Order 179 arises? I take it that it implies that the steel works have not got going to the extent the Minister anticipated? Will he say what exactly the position is and what the proposal is?
Imposition of Duties (Confirmation of Orders) Bill, 1939—Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 and 2 put and agreed to.
Question proposed: "That the Schedule as set out be the Schedule to the Bill."
The purpose of the order was to postpone the coming into operation of the duty until 1st September of this year. It is anticipated that production will have started by then, but whether the firm will be in a position to supply on that date is as yet uncertain. In any event, it is intended that the duty will not operate until the firm are in a position to supply the articles which are subject to the duty.
Can the Minister say if any difficulties have arisen for the fabricators of steel in the country?
Oh, no. The duty is not in operation at all at the moment.
There is no restriction on import?
No restriction at all.
Reference No. 2 is an imposition of duty on zip fasteners. Does that cover all types of zip fasteners? Lately, there has grown up a type, I think, made of plastics. Are they covered as well as the original type?
The duty is placed on all forms of zip-fasteners. We have, however, attached to the duty a licensing provision which will operate to enable importers to get any size or type which is not manufactured here. The duty covers all zip-fasteners.
Question put and agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
Is there any objection to taking the other stages now? There is no urgency about it.
You may as well have it.
Bill received for final consideration and passed.
This is a Money Bill within the meaning of Article 22 of the Constitution.