Horticultural Products (Emergency Customs Duties) Act 1931 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to make provision for the imposition of duties of Customs on certain descriptions of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, flowers, bulbs, plants and foliage, and for purposes connected therewith. |
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| Citation | 22 & 23 Geo. 5. c. 3 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 11 December 1931 |
The Horticultural Products (Emergency Customs Duties) Act 1931 was an important law passed in the United Kingdom in late 1931. Its main purpose was to help British farmers during a tough economic time. This law gave a special power to the Minister of Agriculture. This power allowed them to add or increase taxes on certain fresh products coming into the country from other places.
Contents
What Was the Horticultural Products Act?
This law, known as the Horticultural Products (Emergency Customs Duties) Act, was created by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. A "customs duty" is like a tax that is added to goods when they are brought into a country. The word "horticultural" refers to gardening and growing plants, especially fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The Act specifically targeted fresh items such as:
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Flowers
- Bulbs (like tulip bulbs)
- Plants
- Foliage (leaves and greenery)
By adding these taxes, the government aimed to make imported products more expensive. This would encourage people to buy products grown by British farmers instead.
Why Was This Law Needed?
The year 1931 was a challenging time for many countries around the world. It was the middle of the Great Depression, a period of severe economic hardship. Many people had lost their jobs, and businesses were struggling.
In the United Kingdom, farmers were finding it hard to sell their produce. Cheaper fruits, vegetables, and flowers were being imported from other countries. This made it difficult for local farmers to compete and earn enough money. The government wanted to find ways to support British industries, including agriculture.
What Are Import Duties?
An "import duty" is a tax that a government places on goods that are brought into the country from another country. These taxes are also called tariffs. When you buy something that has an import duty, part of the price you pay goes to the government.
Governments use import duties for several reasons:
- To raise money: The taxes collected go into the government's funds.
- To protect local industries: By making imported goods more expensive, local products become more competitive. This helps businesses within the country.
- To control trade: Duties can be used to manage how much of certain goods come into a country.
In the case of the 1931 Act, the import duties were put in place to protect British farmers.
Who Was the Minister of Agriculture?
The Minister of Agriculture is a government official. Their job is to look after farming, food production, and rural areas in the country. This role is very important because it helps make sure there is enough food for everyone.
The Horticultural Products Act gave the Minister of Agriculture the power to decide when and how much to tax imported horticultural products. This meant they could react quickly to changes in the market. For example, if a lot of cheap foreign apples were coming in, the Minister could impose a duty on them.
How Did It Help Farmers?
By making imported fruits, vegetables, and flowers more expensive, the Act made British-grown produce more appealing to buyers. This helped local farmers in several ways:
- Increased sales: More people would buy their products.
- Better prices: Farmers could potentially sell their goods for a fairer price.
- Job security: It helped protect jobs in the farming industry.
This law was an "emergency" measure, meaning it was put in place quickly to deal with a pressing problem. It showed how the government tried to use economic tools to support its own people and industries during a difficult time.
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 | Fannie Lou Hamer |
