§ 69. Mr. REMERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the dissatisfaction which has resulted from his decision not to afford any protection to the silk industry; and if he will take steps to allow this industry to put their case before the Tariff Advisory Committee?
§ Major ELLIOTAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this subject on the 21st 20 April during the Debate on the Budget proposals. As regards the second part, the provisions in the Import Duties Act relating to the functions of the Advisory Committee do not apply to goods liable to an Excise duty, such as artificial silk, or, except in regard to composite goods, to imported silk or artificial silk liable to Customs duty.
§ Mr. REMERWill my right hon. and gallant Friend consider an Amendment to the Finance Bill whereby the whole of the duties under the Silk Duties shall be considered, with the exception of the raw material section, which would provide revenue?
§ Major ELLIOTI should like to see any suggestion of that kind on the Paper before I gave an opinion.
§ Mr. LEVYIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the duties on the prime raw material more than cancel out the duties on the manufactured goods, and that it leaves a large margin in favour of the foreigner?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is giving information.