HC Deb 17 July 1923 vol 166 cc2047-8
53. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the cut recently made in foreign motor tyres due to depreciated exchanges; and whether he will help the British motor tyre industry, which is being ruined by foreign competition solely due to depreciated exchanges, by including foreign motor tyres in the same category as other imported spare parts of motor cars which are subject to 33 1/3 per cent. import duty?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

My attention has been drawn to the reduction in the price of tyres to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but as I have previously stated, I regret that I am unable as at present advised to accept the suggestion to impose an ad valorem import duty.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of scheduling them under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, which was specially introduced to prevent vital industries from being ruined?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Is this not one of the cases that the House of Commons determined to put a stop to where the competition is unfair owing to the collapse of exchanges?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

If it is desired that they should be brought under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, that would involve an application to the Board of Trade to hold an inquiry, and that does not come within the province of my Department. With regard to the supplementary question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Farnham (Mr. Samuel), I am fully aware of the difficulties in regard to this matter, but I am afraid that, under the present circumstances, I must ask my hon. Friend to take the answer which I have given that, as at present advised, I am unable to introduce a Measure in the House.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman admits that he is unable, without the authority of Parliament, to include any new articles in the Schedule?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I do not want to give an answer that would mislead my hon. and gallant Friend, but if he will put down a question, I will give him quite a definite answer.