§ 46. Sir PARK GOFFasked the Prime Minister, seeing that the White Paper on Safeguarding of Industry, being based on Cabinet decisions, is unalterable by the Board of Trade, and that the restrictions contained therein are regarded by applicants for safeguarding as vexatious and the cause of unnecessary delay and expense, whether he is prepared to receive representations with a view to its amendment?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)The representations made on this subject to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade have been very carefully considered, but the Government are not prepared to modify the procedure and conditions laid down in the White Paper.
§ Commander BELLAIRSCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us why we have this elaborate procedure when, in the case of a duty on tyres, to which he devoted only one minute of his speech, it is in operation by midnight?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe procedure under the Safeguarding of Industries Act arises from the general policy of the Government declared at the last General Election. Nothing in that policy was ever intended to impair the full freedom of the Exchequer to deal with these matters on a revenue basis.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERAre we to understand that the industries of this country are now to be given some respite from these continual interruptions?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that arises from anything in the original question.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it the case that the right hon. Gentleman, before he accepted the Chancellorship, said to the Prime Minister, "Unless I can do what I like, I am not going to take the job"?