HC Deb 12 December 1929 vol 233 cc667-8
97. Mr. TOUT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the uncertainty as to whether the silk and artificial silk duties will be retained or discontinued in the next Budget is seriously holding up business in artificial silk goods; and whether, in view of the increased unemployment and under-employment in the cotton trade which will result from such uncertainty until the exact position is known, he can see his way to make an early announcement of his intentions in the matter?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

Representations in this sense have been received both as regards the silk and artificial silk duties and as regards other duties, but I cannot anticipate the Budget decisions in relation to these matters. I would, however, point out that the present difficulties of the textile trades cannot be attributed entirely to fiscal uncertainty. As I have frequently pointed out, uncertainty is always inseparable from a tariff policy and for this policy the present Government has no kind of responsibility. But, in view of the possible bearing of any feeling of uncertainty on the problem of employment, I am considering a number of different suggestions applicable to different trades which have been made to me as to the procedure that might be adopted in the event of the repeal of the duties affecting them in the next Budget, so as to mitigate any anxiety which may exist in these trades and enable business to be carried on without interruption. While I cannot commit myself as to any of these suggestions I hope that it may be possible for me to make some statement on the whole matter before the House rises for the Christmas recess.

Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

As the statement which the right hon. Gentleman has foreshadowed is obviously one of first-class importance, may I ask whether the House will have an opportunity of discussing it? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!"] May I ask for an answer? I did not want to seem discourteous to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but, as it concerns the business of the House, perhaps I had better put the question to the Prime Minister.

Mr. SNOWDEN

The right hon. Gentleman a has had sufficient Parliamentary experience to know that a question like that cannot be answered on the spur of the moment. It is a matter which requires some consideration.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I will gladly repeat the question presently, when I put a question to the Prime Minister about business.