§ 66. Captain W. BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the French President has signed decrees sup pressing all prohibitions in regard to imports except in the case of about a dozen articles; and whether he will take similar action?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)By French decrees of 14th June and 8th July all but a small number of the prohibitions of import have been with drawn. At the same time, the French Government have considered it necessary, in order to protect French industries, which would be exposed to competition on the withdrawal of the import prohibitions, to increase very largely (in some cases by 200 per cent.) the existing import duties on manufactured goods. The object of this action appears to be to obtain the economic results which flow from Protection through import duties.
§ Captain BENNWas the purpose of the French in withdrawing the import restrictions to lower the price to the consumer in France?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am afraid I cannot answer as to what was in the mind of the French.
Sir F. HALLDoes His Majesty's Government intend to take the necessary steps to protect the industries of this country to putting a tariff on foreign manufactured articles?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.
§ Captain BENNCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the object of our own restrictions is to protect the British manufacturer?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe object of our own restrictions has been very carefully discussed in one, i not two, Debates in this House.
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable opposition to the proposals of the hon. and gallant Gentleman near me (Sir F. Hall)?
§ Mr. SPEAKERFurther questions had better be put on the Paper.