CUSTOMS (DUTIES) (NO. 2) (AMENDMENT NO. 2) ORDER, 1956 (Confirmation)

Order read for resumption of discussion on Motion (5th December, 1956):

"That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 11 of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 160 of the Revised Edition), resolves that the Customs (Duties) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 2) Order, 1956, published as Notification No. S 347 in the Gazette Supplement No. 90 of 3rd December, 1956, as contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 37 of 1956, be confirmed."-(The Financial Secretary).

12.00 noon.

The Financial Secretary (Mr T. M. Hart): Sir, at the moment of interruption yesterday I said that I had His Excellency the Governor's authority to move,

That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 11 of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 160 of the Revised Edition), resolves that the Customs (Duties) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 2) Order, 1956, published as Notification No. S 347 in the Gazette Supplement No. 90 of 3rd December, 1956, as contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 37 of 1956, be confirmed.

I had reminded hon. Members that on 7th November, 1956, the rates of duty on unmanufactured tobacco were raised from $4.40 per pound full and $4.20 per pound preferential to $6.00 per pound full and $5.80 per pound preferential by virtue of Customs (Duties) (No. 2) Order, 1956, which was published in the Gazette on that day.

I now say, Sir, that subsequently representations were made by the trade to the effect that this increase of duty on leaf tobacco would adversely affect the local cigar manufacturing industry and increase the cost of what was mainly the poor man's smoke. The Government considered these representations and, as I reported to the Assembly on 20th November, agreed to reduce the rates of duty on unmanufactured tobacco to pre-Budget levels. A Gazette Notification to this effect was published on 3rd December, and the object of this motion, Sir, is to obtain the consent of the Assembly to this reduction in duty. Sir, I beg to move.

12.02 p.m.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, I rise to second the motion moved by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary. Sir, when the Financial Secretary laid his taxation proposals before this House at the Budget sittings, the rate of duty on this item was proposed to be increased. Later on, Sir, representations were made to me by manufacturers that the local industry dealing with this item would suffer and, as a result of their representations, the Government has taken action in the interests of the local industry and of the poorer section of the community who smoke this type of cigarettes and cigars. I would like to emphasise, Sir, that Government has been very democratic in having listened to these representations. Sir, there have been charges levied against the Government in the past for being undemocratic, but this is one instance where the Government shows that it does listen to representations if they are genuine.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 11 of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 160 of the Revised Edition), resolves that the Customs (Duties) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 2) Order, 1956, published as Notification No. S 347 in the Gazette Supplement No. 90 of 3rd December, 1956, as contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 37 of 1956, be confirmed.

Mr Deputy Speaker: The sitting is suspended now until 2.30 p.m.

Sitting accordingly suspended at 12.05 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. Sitting resumed at 2.30 p.m.