§ Sir S. ROBERTS (by Private Notice)asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the continuing high level of the cost of living, when it is proposed to remove the existing restrictions on imports?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)The Government have decided that no import restrictions shall be or continue to be imposed on goods coming from any part of the Empire without the assent of the Cabinet, which will not be given unless some unforeseen necessity arises. It is not possible at present to remove all restric- 794 tions on imports from foreign countries because of the state of the exchanges, but all raw materials will be freed from import restriction.
§ Major Earl WINTERTONBefore any decison is come to about removing restrictions from foreign countries, will my hon. Friend give the House an opportunity of discussing it?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat question should be addressed to the Leader of the House.