§ 47 and 48. Lieut.-Colonel NALLasked the Prime Minister (1) whether, seeing that the imposition of protective measures has avoided the total loss of large sums of public money advanced as subsidies to the beet-sugar and dyestuffs industries, he will consider the adoption, in lieu of further expensive experiments in subsidies of protective measures in the first instance where suitable industries require support;
(2) whether the Government will consider the possibility of encouraging factories for diamond cutting, watch-case making, and other luxury trades suitable for disabled men by means of protective duties on competing imported goods?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWhere there is a case for special assistance to an industry, for whatever reason, it would, I think, be inexpedient to rule out of consideration any particular form which that assistance might take.
§ Captain W. BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman throw any light upon the policy of protecting these industries?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that arises.
§ Mr. H. H. SPENCERDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that these protective measures are the policy of the Government in view of the pledges given before the last General Election?