HC Deb 13 May 1924 vol 173 cc1143-5
50. Viscount EDNAM

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the widespread alarm which has been aroused by the Government's decision to repeal the McKenna duties on 1st August and the impossibility of obtaining a full discussion in one day's Debate, he will make arrangements for a second day's Debate on this subject?

Mr. CLYNES

The answer is in the negative.

Viscount EDNAM

Has the right hon. Gentleman realised the large number of hon. Members who want to give their opinions on this question—hon. Members whose constituencies are vitally interested in the proposals that are being made—and the impossibility of many of them being called?

Major the Marquess of TITCHFIELD

Is it not a scandal that the Government should not give more than one day for a discussion of the McKenna Duties, considering their determination to put hundreds of thousands of men on to the streets?

64. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD- BURY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that since his announcement of the repeal of the McKenna Duties there have been practically mo sales in the motor trade, and that motor agents are refusing to take in stock British light cars, as the British public are waiting to see whether foreign cars can be bought more cheaply; and whether, in view of the complete, dislocation of the motor industry and the throwing out of employment of many thousands of skilled hands, he will reconsider his decision?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Snowden)

I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the Debate on this subject later to-day.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been practically no sales of motor-cars since he announced his intention of abandoning these duties?

Sir H. CROFT

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the very large number of Members who wish to speak on this question will be provided with an opportunity of doing so?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The Leader of the House has already answered that point.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the case that there was an opportunity of speaking on this subject last night, when the Resolution was allowed to pass sub silentio?

65. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a resolution from the National Workmen's Constitutional Council protesting against the removal of the McKenna Duties; and whether he is aware that this organisation represents thousands of working men all over the country?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this body is solely representative of workmen, and does he consider that this resolution is part of a raging propaganda?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members apparently want to get their speeches delivered before the Debate begins.

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