HC Deb 30 June 1925 vol 185 cc2186-8
2. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade how soon he will be in a position to make any statement as to whether or not an application has been submitted by the iron and steel trades for a protective tariff against the importation of foreign goods?

11. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a decision has yet been reached as to the institution under the White Paper of an inquiry into the steel trade?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement made in the Debate yesterday by the Minister of Labour.

Mr. THOMSON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether trades which are allied to the iron and steel trade, and which will be affected by any bounty or duty, will be heard before the Research Committee which is inquiring into the question.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The Research Committee will examine all relevant considerations.

Mr. THOMSON

Who is to decide What is relevant?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The Committee.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

What does this prove? If certain trades require to be assisted in this fashion, is it not proof conclusive that the capitalist system is breaking up?

Captain BENN

Is there anything in the pledges given by the Government which in their judgment prevents their granting a duty to steel under the safeguarding scheme?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The Government stand by all their pledges.

Captain BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Surely I have a right to get an answer before the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn).

Mr. SPEAKER

I thought the hon. Member answered his own question.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I want an expression of opinion from the other side.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

3. Brigadier-General CHARTERIS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present unsatisfactory position of the iron and steel industry in this country, the Government will consider the necessity of taking effective steps to secure to this country orders for such of the requirements of India in these commodities as cannot be provided by the Indian factories?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer to a similar question given by the Under-Secretary of State for India on the 18th February of last year, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great Indian industrialist was here in the House a few weeks ago, begging of British Members of Parliament and others to invest money in India for the purpose of producing steel, thereby making it more difficult for British workmen to secure work?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should put that question down.