§ 44. Mr. LYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it may be assumed that the object of the Regulations recently issued prohibiting the importation of box boards beyond 75 percent. of the 1913 figure is to protect the British box-making industry; and, if so, will any other trade which can show that it is suffering from foreign importation receive similar protection?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, with the qualification, however, that the protection is temporary only, and is designed to provide an interval during which the industry may recover from the disorganisations which it suffered as a result of the War. As regards the second part, I should be glad to receive particulars of any cases which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. LYLECan the hon. Gentleman say what period he has in his mind when he says that this is a temporary expedient?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIf the hon. Gentleman has read the Debate he will have found that the whole question has got to be reconsidered before September.