HC Deb 01 August 1916 vol 85 cc34-5
58. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that manufacturers in this country have since the War employed capital and time in the building of factories, manufacture of bottles, and production of mineral aperient waters now being used in this country and exported to our Dominions and neutral countries, he could see his way to give a definite assurance that these new industries will be adequately protected by the Government from dumping after the War by proprietors of German and Austrian waters who employ little or no labour in this country and, not being possessed of factories, etc., here, pay next to no rates and taxes for the upkeep of our own country and market?

Mr. HARCOURT

I cannot give any undertaking as to a particular industry pending consideration of the general policy to be adopted by His Majesty's Government after the War.

Major HUNT

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how manufacturers can be expected to give their time to the creation of new industries when they are liable to have those industries partially destroyed after the War?