§ 82. Mr. JESSONasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that English markets are at present being flooded with cheap electrical fittings from Japan, and that these articles are being sold at a price which makes it impossible for British labour and British enterprise to compete against them, and, having regard to the necessity for the immediate revival of industry in this country, he will state what proposals, if any, he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of British labour and British capital in the electrical fittings industry of this country?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe matter will shortly be considered by the Imports Consultative Council, who, I understand, have set up a special sub-committee to deal with this class of articles. I am awaiting the Council's recommendations on the subject.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNWhat publicity is given to the decision of this Council?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThey are published in the Press, they are published officially in the "Gazette," and the trades concerned have information as to what the decisions are. There have been a great many published already.
§ Captain BENNBut are the reasons for these decisions adverse to the consumers made public in any form?
§ Sir A. GEDDESNo. There is no publication of the evidence on which the decisions of the Council are based, but before the Consultative Council those interested have the opportunity of stating their case and those immediately interested—the trade generally—know.
§ Captain BENNBut not the consumer?
§ Mr. G. TERRELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government is now in a position, to announce its permanent policy in regard to these matters?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of this question.