§ 28. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the importation of matches from Norway and Sweden is now permitted by the Match Control Board and the importation of matches from Belgium prohibited; and, if so, will he say why Discrimination is made favourable to neutral countries and prejudicial to an ally the revival of whose industry we are under every obligation to encourage?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe importation of matches from Scandinavia was arranged for at a time when Belgium was in enemy occupation. The question of the restrictions on the importation of matches is now before the Consultative Council on Imports.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLCan he give any indication how long it will take to make this investigation; can he not hurry up?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Committee is at this moment considering the matter.
Lieutenant-Colonel C. LOWTHERIs the British match industry encouraged by a tax on all foreign imported matches, and is there any reason why this country should not supply itself with sufficient matches in its need?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI cannot answer that without notice.