HC Deb 21 March 1901 vol 91 cc712-3
SIR HOWARD VINCENT

I beg to ask the President of the Board of, Trade if he is aware that some firms in Sheffield have been compelled by the Russian duties to erect factories in Russia to sell files and other goods in that empire, and if the Government proposes to take steps to check the migration of factories, capital, machinery, and skilled manufacturers from this country to the United States, Russia, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and other countries.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am aware that it is stated that certain firms at Sheffield are about to erect branch factories or branch establishments in Russia, but I am not prepared to propose any steps in the direction indicated by the hon. Member.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

May I ask whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will not take some steps in his Budget?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

That question had bettor be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.