§ 75. Mr. HOPKINSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether representatives of the iron and steel trade, or of any section thereof, have applied, or have signified their intention to apply, for safeguarding of their industry; and, if so, whether an inquiry will be granted?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKAs has been stated in reply to similar questions, the Government, following previous practice under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, will make a public announcement when an inquiry is granted in respect of any industry. For the reasons already given, I do not think it is desirable to make announcements in regard to applications which are or may be pending or under consideration.
§ Mr. HARRISUnder the regulations will it be impossible to impose any duty, should favourable recommendations be made in these reports under the Finance Act, and, if so, will it be done once a year?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI do not find that point raised in the question.
§ Mr. HOPKINSONAs the reply makes it perfectly obvious that such an application has been made, will the Parliamentary Secretary advise the Government to have some consideration for the trades which will have inflicted upon them insufferable burdens by the granting of that application?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir JOSEPH NALLIs there any legal disability which will prevent any body of traders applying to the Board of Trade, if they think it worth their while, and in the interests of their business?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKNot that I know of.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes the hon. Gentleman not think it wise, in the interests of all concerned, that we should have a list of the firms which have applied for the safeguarding of their industry?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise.