§ 17. Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether no Order has been made under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act since the passing of the Act in August last; whether, in view of the fact that this part of the Act remains in force only for a further period of ½years, he will take drastic action either to deal with or remove from the list the numerous applications now awaiting consideration, and thus put an end to the uncertainty which prevails in the industries affected?
§ 22. Mr. GALBRAITHasked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications have been considered by his Department with a view of imposing a tariff of 33⅓ per cent, on imported goods under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act; how many applications have been rejected; and what arrangements he contemplates making for prompt consideration of the remainder?
§ Mr. BALDWINNo Order has yet been made under Part II of the Act. Eight complaints have been referred to Committees and 16 complaints have been rejected or withdrawn. The consideration of the remaining applications will be completed as rapidly as possible, but in very few cases have the complaints so far furnished sufficient particulars to enable the Board of Trade to consider their complaints. As I informed the hon. Member for Moseley on the 20th February, approximately 100 trades or branches of trades have communicated with the Board, but the majority of these communications have 828 not progressed beyond the stage of inquiry with a view to formulating complaints.
§ Mr. KILEYIs it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to have these claims dealt with, and dismissed or proceeded with? Does he not realise the trade of the country is being affected because of the fact that contracts have to be made months in advance?
§ Mr. BALDWINI quite realise that, but until people put their complaints into proper shape, it is impossible to say whether or not they will be rejected.
§ Mr. BALDWINI am a very patient man.