On the 29th January, 1947, the Government imposed an Emergency (Imposition of Duties) Order, No. 227, placing a customs duty of 37½ per cent., or 25 per cent. preferential, ad valorem, on combs suitable for personal use or adornment. An industry was established here during the war. Previous to the war, combs were not being made in this country, but when imports were curtailed during the emergency a number of firms, particularly the button manufacturers, began to make combs from home-produced casein. This was an out-of-date process, and later the manufacturers began to produce combs from plastic powders by an injection moulding process.
During the year 1946 there was a considerable increase in the importation of combs. In that year the value of the imports of combs was some £64,000, as compared with an estimated import value of £10,000 or £12,000 pre-war. It was represented that the home manufacturers were unable to secure orders and had to lay off a number of employees. It was alleged that seconds, or slightly defective products, which, apparently, are the result of defects in the moulding process, were being imported here in very large quantities and that this was the reason the imports had increased so considerably in 1946; that, if these imports were to be permitted to continue, the industry, which had been established during the war and which seemed to be developing so satisfactorily, would be in serious danger. Therefore, the Government decided to impose the tariff to which I have referred—37½ per cent. full, and 25 per cent. preferential, rate. An undertaking was obtained from the home manufacturers that prices for home-produced combs would not be increased except in the event of a rise in the cost of raw materials or labour.
I do not know what is the reason for the laughter on the part of some Senators, but I presume, at any rate, if one has to regard the laughter as a form of interrogation that the reply to it would be that, if an undertaking is given to the Minister for Industry and Commerce that certain standards will have to be achieved by the manufacturers of combs or any other product which is protected in this fashion, it will be the duty of the Minister to see that the undertaking is loyally observed. The Minister for Industry and Commerce is satisfied that the raw materials for this industry are readily procurable. Stocks of combs have, in fact, been built up by the manufacturers here, and he is quite satisfied that the manufacturing capacity will be sufficient not alone to meet the requirements of the home market, but also to establish an export trade. In fact, efforts have been made to establish such a trade, but there has been difficulty in securing import licences from other countries. Were it not for these difficulties, the Minister is satisfied than an export trade could be begun. The combs to be produced here will not exceed in prices the prices of comparative articles which are being sold in Great Britain and the manufacturers will be required to maintain equal standards of efficiency. I do not know that there is any other point, but if any Senator wishes to ask any question regarding the matter I will be glad to answer if I have the information available.
