Customs Bill Makes Progress

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 172, 11 October 1927, Page 1

Customs Bill Makes Progress

DISCUSSION IN HOUSE CLEARANCE CLAUSE DROPPED (THE SXJN’3 Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Monday. /'CONSIDERATION of the Customs Amendment Bill in committee stage was continued in the House of Representatives this evening, good progress being made. Discussion was confined to minor items, and the majority were passed without comment. At the instance of the Minister of Customs, the House agreed to the withdrawal of the clause providing for power to regulate excessive clearances of imports in anticipation of increased customs duties. The first clause to which objection was raised was that making provision lor a reduced rate of duty upon goods of a class not produced in British Dominions. Mr. T. K. Sldey, Dunedin Houth, said that the clause was regarded by many people as being very objectionable, and would lead to considerable complications. Sir Joseph Ward. Invercargill, also voiced a protest. He did not see how the Minister could have a sort of sliding scale. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart, the Minister of Customs, explained that chambers of commerce were under a misapprehension as to the object of the clause* which was really for the benefit of importers, and it had been in force for many years in limited scope. There was no further objection to this clause.

At the request of Mr. Stewart the clause providing for the computation of th© measurement of saw-dressed Umber was postponed until after the schedules had been considered, as further representations were being made. There was no further discussion until the schedules were reached, when members too', the opportunity of expressng their opinions on various items. Consideration of wheat and flour was postponed, Mr. Stewart stating that Might alterations were being mads. It was a very difficult matter to adjust, n view of the interests concerned, and he was very anxious that no mistake should be made. Ample opportunity would be given for discussion of the amended proposals. The 73rd item had been dealt with when the House adjourned e.t 11.45 p.m.