§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the protective character of the present tariff on imported chocolates; and whether, having regard to the evils of low wages and long hours which are said to be the result of a protective policy, he will institute an inquiry into the condition of labour of the British chocolate industry, with the object of obtaining official evidence as to the effect of Protection on industry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe fact that the Cocoa Duties were protective in character was admitted by the present Prime Minister in his Budget statement on 18th April, 1907. I have not seen it maintained that the evils to which the Noble Lord alludes are necessarily found in every industry which can be shown to benefit by a protective scale of duties, and I do not propose to institute the inquiry he suggests.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHCan the right hon. Gentleman state what revenue is derived from this source of taxation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, I can, with the greatest accuracy, if the usual notice is given.
§ Mr. YOUNGERIs it not a fact that the cocoa manufacturers themselves say that this is not a protective duty, and only places them on an equality with their foreign competitors?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have answered the question on the Paper, and I have given very frankly the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. ROWLAND HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Messrs. Cadbury have boasted for years that their workpeople work under the very best conditions of labour?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have heard that frequently asserted, and I believe it is perfectly true.