HC Deb 28 January 1929 vol 224 cc597-8
46. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Manchester on 21st January; and whether the Chancellor's declaration of himself as a Free Trader and against a general system of Protection being made an issue at the General Election represents the Government's policy?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I have read the fuller report of the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which appeared in the "Manchester Guardian," and differed markedly from the imperfect summary telegraphed to the London Press. My right hon. Friend seems to have defended the fiscal position of the Government in every way: and I share his view that those who call themselves Free Traders as well as those who call themselves Protectionists can reasonably and sincerely support the policy of safeguarding of industries which we are now engaged in carrying forward.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Could the Prime Minister say that the view of the Chancellor of the Exchequer was the right one, or that expressed by the Patronage Secretary at Evesham in November, when he stated that if the country would not take Protection all at once it would take it bit by bit?

The PRIME MINISTER

I hope we have succeeded in reconciling what is obviously a difficulty, as well as my hon. Friend's party.