§ 15. Mr. FENBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether before coming to any further decision on the matter of appointing a committee to consider the imposing of a duty on imported fancy glassware, he would be prepared to receive a deputation from the silversmiths and electro-plate manufacturers of Birmingham, whose interests might be vitally affected by the imposition of any such tariffs?
§ 23. Mr. RADFORDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a requisition, signed by a number of the leading home trade warehouses, asking that a deputation should be received from them in connection with the application that has been made by the British glove industry for safeguarding of their industry; and, if so, whether 1998 he has acceded to such request for an interview?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIn the event of any application being referred to a Committee for inquiry, importers and users will have the opportunity to be heard so far as their evidence is relevant to the particular matters on which the Committee has to report; but I do not think it is necessary that they should be heard in order to decide if a prima facie case for inquiry has been established.
Captain BENNWould it not be more fair to let them know when an application is being made and considered?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, I think the balance of convenience is all the other way.
§ Mr. CECIL WILSONWould that apply to these manufacturers in places other than Birmingham or to the silversmiths and electro-plate manufacturers of Birmingham only?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERMy answer relates to the procedure generally.