HC Deb 15 October 1908 vol 194 cc470-1
CAPTAIN CRAIG

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the event of the special protection granted to tobacco-growing in Ireland proving a success in promoting that industry he will extend protection to other home-grown commodities for a like purpose.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

I can make no such promise. The slight financial encouragement given to tobacco-growing in Ireland would not justify the Government in taking measures which would hamper every other industry in the United Kingdom with protective duties.

MR. JAMES HOPE (Sheffield, Central)

Will a like advantage be extended to sugar-beet-growing in this country?

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

I have promised sympathetic consideration to any definite proposals that may be made on that subject.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

And in the event of this experiment with tobacco proving a success will the system be extended to the flax-growing industry in the North of Ireland?

[No Answer was returned.]