HC Deb 09 February 1926 vol 191 cc814-5
4. Mr. RAMSDEN

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications had been received up to the last day of January for an inquiry under the scheme for the safeguarding of industries; and the number of applications that have been refused?

9. Mr. REMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for inquiries have been received under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; how many Committees have been set up; and how many have reported?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The number of definite applications made under the Safeguarding of Industries procedure up to date is 34. Of these, 13 have been rejected, as not disclosing a prima facie case, without reference to a Committee of Enquiry. Nine committees have been appointed to consider 11 applications; and reports have been received and published in respect of nine of such applications. One application has been withdrawn. The others are either still under consideration or in abeyance. As I have previously stated in this House, I think it is expedient to follow the practice under the original Safeguarding of Industries Act that information should not be given about any particular application unless and until it is referred to a Committee.

Mr. REMER

In the case of those applications rejected, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give a reason as to why they have been rejected?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I will give the general reason that they did not comply with the terms of the scheme.

Mr. REMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases it is impossible for the people to obtain the information required by the Board of Trade?

Colonel GRETTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by the expression "in abeyance," used in his answer?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Either that the application is waiting or has been temporarily withdrawn pending the obtaining of further information.

Mr. REMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has refused a good many applications on the ground that they are not substantial industries, and will he define what is a substantial industry?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE LISTER

No, I do not think that would be convenient. I think a substantial industry is one which most of us can recognise when we see it, but I think it would be very unwise, and not to the interests of any industry, that a very hard and fast line should be drawn.