HC Deb 20 November 1919 vol 121 cc1124-5
51. MY. REMER

asked the Prime Minister whether he could state when the Anti-Dumping Bill would be introduced?

53. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister when it was definitely intended to introduce the promised Bills for the prevention of dumping and for the protection of key industries; and whether the Government proposed to make every effort to pass them into law before Christmas?

60. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Prime Minister when the Second Reading of the Anti-Dumping Bill would be taken?

The PRIME MINISTER

It was introduced yesterday. I hope that it may be possible to pass the Bill this Session. The Second Reading will, I understand, be taken in the week after next.

Mr. RAPER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no Bill obtainable yet at the Vote Office?

Mr. FRANCE

Will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to attach to the Bill a list of the key industries referred to in the Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think my hon. Friend will see that they are attached to the Bill and are in the Schedule. I am sorry that there is no Bill available. It was introduced yesterday and I hope it will be in the hands of Members shortly. It is purely a question of printing.

56. Major M. WOOD

asked the Prime Minister how long imports would be restricted by proclamation under the Customs Consolidation Act; and whether provision for an indemnity against this illegal action would be taken in the Anti-Dumping Bill?

Sir A. GEDDES

It is contemplated that the Proclamations issued under the Customs Consolidation Act which impose prohibitions of importation will remain in force until they are superseded, so far as may be necessary, by orders under the Imports and Exports Regulation Bill which was introduced yesterday. His Majesty's Government are not prepared to admit that the issue of Proclamations prohibiting imports under the Customs Consolidation Act has been illegal.

Major WOOD

Was the opinion of the Law Officers taken on this matter?

Sir A. GEDDES

Naturally, yes.