HC Deb 09 December 1925 vol 189 cc445-6
47. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKE

asked the Prime Minister if he will reconsider the advisability of introducing safeguarding as applied to the wrapping-paper industry before the Session is over, in view of the imports coming in threatening further unemployment?

49. Captain BOURNE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that apprehension has been aroused in the paper manufacturing industry by his announcement that the Government do not propose to introduce the Resolution imposing a safeguarding duty on wrapping paper this Session; and whether it is possible for him to reconsider this decision?

The PRIME MINISTER

I shall answer these questions together. I would refer my hon. Friends to the statement which I made on business on Friday last, and to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a private notice question addressed to mo by my hon. Friend the Member for East Dorset.

Captain BOURNE

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of taking steps to prevent excessive imports between now and the time when the Duty is imposed?

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider the very great advantage to the export trade de pendent on paper as raw material, of increasing imports?

The PRIME MINISTER

All those considerations will be borne in mind.

Major COLFOX

Is my right hon Friend aware that there is considerable difference of opinion among his own supporters as to the advisability of imposing this Duty?

Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFT

Is the Prime Minister aware of the fact that that opposition may be counted on one hand?

Mr. HALL CAINE

In view of the in jury to the industry by this postponement, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making a Government appeal to shop keepers during the forthcoming shopping weeks to use British and not foreign wrappers.