– in the House of Commons at on 8 April 1941.
Sir Reginald Clarry
, Newport (Monmouthshire/Gwent)
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether he is aware that the Customs authorities, in valuing goods imported at Newport docks to ascertain the value for duty purposes, have, since August, 1938, included a fixed figure of 3s. per ton as representing landing charges, thereby involving the payment of duty on this figure in addition to the c.i.f. value; whether this additional figure of 3s. is included in valuing goods imported at other ports in the kingdom; and, if not, whether he will take steps to remove this prejudicial treatment of Newport as against other ports?
Sir Kingsley Wood
, Woolwich West
The figure of 3s. per ton to which reference is made is for general cargo only, and has been applied to all ports in the Bristol Channel since August, 1938. The corresponding figures for other ports where similar arrangements have been made vary with the circumstances. I am not aware that the arrangement operates to the prejudice of the port of Newport.
Sir Reginald Clarry
, Newport (Monmouthshire/Gwent)
Will my right hon. Friend agree that these charges of 3s. are incurred after delivery by the shipowner, and are not fairly suitable for duty?
Sir Kingsley Wood
, Woolwich West
I would not assent to that suggestion, but if my hon. Friend would like to see me on the matter, I would be happy to discuss it with him.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
