§ 13. Mr. GREENEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been any alteration in the wholesale price of British-made leather gloves since the gloving industry has been safeguarded; and, if so, will he state what the alteration is?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERFrom information furnished to me by the Joint Industrial Council for the Glove Making Industry, it appears that the average net prices charged to the wholesalers by the manufacturers of British leather gloves during 1926 show a reduction of from 3 to 6 per cent., according to kind, as compared with 1925.
§ Mr. GREENEIs it not a fact that in this case, at any rate, safeguarding has brought about increased production and that increased production has brought about lower prices?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs not the reply of the right hon. Gentleman inconsistent with the experience of anyone who goes to purchase a pair of gloves?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not think so. What I was asked for was the effect of prices as between manufacturers and wholesalers, and I have given it.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not obvious that if you protect a few 171 selected industries in a Free Trade country, you will get comparatively good results?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have always thought that—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot have a fiscal debate.
§ Mr. GREENEMay I ask a further supplementary question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe supplementary question of the hon. Member was in the nature of a fiscal argument.