§ 5. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the increase in the import of press buttons since the recommendations of the Board of Trade Committee on the safeguarding of buttons, &c., have been published, which increase is reflected in a reduction of 60 per cent. in the weekly orders received by British manufacturers during the past five weeks; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir. Figures of imports for the period in question are not yet available.
§ .Mr. HANNONIf there is continued increase of unemployment in this trade, will my right hon. Friend consider a fresh application in relation to this industry?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not think that I could be expected to answer a contingent question. My hon. Friend knows that, if the circumstances differ from those which the original application was made, it is always open to a trade to make another application.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDIs the right hon. Gentleman compelled to consider every application that is made?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes. Every application which is made under the White Paper is considered, in accordance with the terms of the White Paper.