HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 cc1019-20
74 and 75. Mr. TERRELL

asked the Minister of Reconstruction (1) whether, in connection with the many questions of reconstruction of British trade, he is proceeding on the basis that after the War British manufacturers will be protected by a tariff against foreign imports or on the basis of free trade; (2) whether, in connection with the problem of turning over from war conditions to peace conditions in our factories and maintaining a continuity of employment for labour, he will cause an inquiry to be directed [...] all manufacturers asking if in their opinion the prospective situation can be made substantially easier by the imposition of a protective tariff on all imports of articles which compete with home manufactures?

Dr. ADDISON

Questions relating to the fiscal policy to be adopted after the War are being considered, in the first instance, by the Committee on Commercial and Industrial Policy after the War.

Mr. PETO

How can the right hon. Gentleman proceed with his plans of reconstruction if he does not know the very basis on which he is to act? Is not the basis on which the trade of the country is to be carried on fundamental to the work of reconstruction?

Dr. ADDISON

There are a great many bases of industry.