§ 46. Sir JAMES CORYasked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to declare the Government trade policy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)As I stated on Wednesday last in reply to a supplementary question (arising out of a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the St. Rollox Division of Glasgow), I hope that it will be possible to make a statement before the Recess.
§ Mr. BETTERTON(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Hoard of Trade if he is aware that the purchasing of goods abroad for importation after 1st September is being checked by the fact that importers are afraid of more severe restrictions on imports, and if he is prepared to make some definite announcement as to the rate of importation that will be permitted after 1st September.
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am not yet in a position to state what import policy will be in operation after 1st September, but I am prepared now to give assurance (hat if restrictions are still in existence the permissible rate of importation of Articles now restricted will be no less between 1st September and the end of the year than it is at the present time.
§ Mr. BETTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly bear in mind that those engaged in trade cannot postpone their 1787 operations until other people make up their minds. They cannot proceed only from day to day, as the Government appears to do.
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe reply I just gave appears to me to help those who desire to make up their minds what their action is to be in the way of ordering goods in the next few weeks. I have stated that the amount allowed to be imported will be no less between 1st September and the end of the year than it is at present.
§ Captain W. BENNWhat is the reason for postponing the announcement of policy?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put that question to the Leader of the House.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLIs it proposed to set up another advisory council to advise the Hoard of Trade as regards importations?
§ Sir A. GEDDESNo Sir.
§ Mr. TERRELLDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to reply that the Board of Trade will act entirely on their own responsibility and not consult; manufacturers and those who are interested in this question?
§ Sir A. GEDDESNo. The hon. Member asked me whether we were going to set up another advisory body. I replied in the negative.
§ Mr. TERRELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to reappoint the Council which has recently advised him in these matters, and which I understand is being dissolved?
§ Sir A. GEDDESNo, we have an advisory body in connection with the Board of Trade but, as I have said in reply to more than one question to-day, it is anticipated that a definite announcement of trade policy will be made before the House rises.
§ Mr. KILEYIs the right hon. Gentle man prepared to announce whom the advisory committee consists of, so that the public may know?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI shall be quite pre pared to announce them. They have been announced more than once.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs any person on that advisory board qualified to advise on the effect of restriction on unemployment
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat is a very wide subject, and it would be very difficult to define what qualifications a person should have to be able to give complete advice on that. There are several people on the Advisory Board who can give partial advice, but whether they cover the whole ground between them or not I am not in a position to say.
Mr. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of consulting the electorate before they define their trade policy?