asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether there is a customs duty on scissors and pocket knives entering this country; if so, how much this duty is; whether the manufacture of these implements is undertaken in this country; and if not, whether, pending the setting up of such an industry, he will remove the duty.

Scissors are not liable to customs duty. Pocket knives are liable to customs duty of 25 per cent. ad valorem plus an additional duty of 75 per cent. ad valorem (50 per cent. preferential) or 6d. (4d. preferential) the article whichever is the greater.

Neither of these articles is at present made here. It is not intended to remove the duty on pocket knives but remission of the 75 per cent. ad valorem duty will continue to be granted as heretofore on application to the Department of Industry and Commerce.