§ 73. Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received protests from the Joint Industrial Councils or a combined protest from employers and trade union leaders in the lace and cutlery trades against the possible repeal of the Customs Duties on those goods; and whether he is prepared to receive deputations from those industries?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEMy right hon. Friend has received from the Federation of Lace and Embroidery Employers' Associations a copy of a resolution passed at a conference of representatives of employers' associations and trade unions in the lace industry in regard to the lapsing of the lace duty when the statutory period for which it has been imposed expires; he has received no similar representations in the case of the cutlery duty. With regard to the second part of the question I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the policy of the Government in relation to the Safeguarding Duties is well known. [HON. MEMBERS: "Is it?"] The Government feel that no useful purpose would be served by receiving such deputations.
§ Sir H. CROFTMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that 14 trade unions connected with the Nottingham lace industry carried this resolution unanimously, in conjunction with the employers; and secondly, whether it is not the fact that the cutlery trade joint industrial council of employers and trade unionists have unanimously requested His Majesty's Government to take no steps; and how do these square with the reply of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe hon. and gallant Member's question asked whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer had received protests and the answer of the Chancellor of the Exchequer is perfectly correct. As to whether there have been resolutions carried, that was not the question, and I am not able to say whether that is so or not.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs the hon. Gentleman not aware of the fact that a request has been sent to the Ministry by this joint body of employers and trade unionists in Sheffield?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI am not aware of any facts beyond those which are given in the answer.
Sir F. HALLRecognising the importance of this question in the country, may I ask what is the attitude of the Government with regard to this matter?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe policy of the Government on the matter was stated quite clearly on several occasions, and the hon. Member cannot expect me to add to the statement which has been made by my right hon. Friend and by the Prime Minister.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Lovat-Fraser.