§ MR. LAMBERTI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in order to prevent any dislocation of trade by changes in our fiscal policy, he will state when the inquiry instituted by the Cabinet may probably be completed.
§ MR. MANSFIELDI beg also to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, with a view to avoid interference with the trade and commerce of the country by any change in the fiscal policy of His Majesty's Government, he will state when the decision of the Government on the proposed establishment of preferential or retaliatory rates will be announced.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I am afraid that I have no information to give in regard to the Question of either of the hon. Members, but I think I may reassure them that there is no probability of the dislocation of trade which they appear to anticipate.
§ MR. LAMBERTCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the inquiry will be finished?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think that Question is precisely the Question on the Paper, as to which I am regretfully 1034 obliged to say that I can give the hon Member no information, except to reassure him as to the dangers which he appears to anticipate.