HC Deb 10 November 1927 vol 210 cc366-7
71. Mr. DIXEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the depressed state of the British granite trade owing to foreign competition; and, if so, what action, if any, does he propose to take?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

Mr. DIXEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the application of the Safeguarding of Industries Act to this industry?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The hon. Member is aware that it is open to any industry to make an application under that Act.

Commander WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman circularise Government Departments and also councils like the county councils calling their attention to the condition of this trade and ask them, as far as they can, to buy British granite whenever they are making contracts?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I rather gather that this applies to monumental granite, which is used largely for the building of tombstones, and I do not think Government Departments are very largely concerned with it. As regards building granite, the Minister of Health and I have asked Government Departments to purchase as much British goods as possible.

Mr. DIXEY

If it applies to setts, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with county councils?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Certainly. As I have said, the Minister and I have already invited all local authorities to buy British goods wherever they can.

Colonel DAY

What about British typewriters?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

That is a good example. We are buying them wherever we can.