HC Deb 13 March 1919 vol 113 cc1460-2
55. Mr. HIGHAM

asked the Prime Minister if he can assure the House that the Government's policy in regard to dumping will be announced before the presentation of the new Budget; and, if not, will he explain the reasons for this course of action?

58. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to make the long-promised statement as to the policy of the Government for the protection of key industries and the prevention of dumping?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have nothing to add to what I said in reply to supplementary questions on the 5th March arising out of a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Islington South.

Mr. TERRELL

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this matter is one of great and increasing urgency; will he not, therefore, under the circumstances, see his way to make some definite statement at an early date?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In the supplementary questions and answers to which I have referred, I pointed out that it is impossible to do everything in one day, and that time must be given for these matters.

Mr. TERRELL

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that this question was addressed to him all through last year, and on several occasions this Session, with unsatisfactory results?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am aware of that, and that I have answered many questions on the subject. But I would suggest to my hon. Friend that no decision is hastened by asking the same question once or twice every week,

Mr. HURD

Is it true, as stated, that the Government has a Bill in being?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have already said, in answer to previous questions, that the Government are taking steps as rapidly as possible to carry out the undertaking given to the electors.

75. Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

asked with a view to reducing certain imports from the United States and to stimulating British exports to the United States, he will consider the advisability of allowing the American exchange to find gradually its own level by removal of artificial support?

Mr. BALDWIN

My right hon. Friend may rest assured that in considering their policy in regard to the American and other foreign exchanges, His Majesty's Government will not lose sight of the very important considerations referred to in his question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Do the Board of Trade approve of maintaining the American exchange in view of its effect in restricting our exports and imports?

Mr. BALDWIN

I am afraid that I cannot express the view of the Board of Trade. I have no right to do that.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Have the Board of Trade been consulted about this matter?

Mr. BALDWIN

I should require notice of that question.