§ 53. Major KELLEYasked the Prime Minister whether any steps are being taken to protect the key industries of the country, as was promised at the time of the last election?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI have been asked to answer this question. Yes, Sir, under the transitional trade policy of the country most definite steps have been taken to protect the key industries of the country by retaining control over the importation of products similar to theirs.
§ Mr. T. SHAWWhat are the key industries?
§ Sir A. GEDDESIt would be impossible for me to give a list without notice, but generally they are small industries upon which some vast industry depends.
§ Sir A. GEDDESWe have already undertaken to publish a list of all the articles whose import is restricted by licence at the present time. That will cover the key industries and something more.
§ Mr. STANTONWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to call a conference of the Labour party to explain to them what he really means by this?
§ Major KELLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman define key industries, as I do not think the industries referred to are key industries?
§ Sir A. GEDDESDyes are a key industry.