§ 46. Major GEORGE DAVIESasked the Prime Minister whether he has re- 1740 ceived a petition from the Joint Industrial Council of the gloving industry, signed by over 85 per cent. of the gloving operatives of the country, requesting him to hold an impartial inquiry into the effect of safeguarding on that industry; whether he has sent a reply; and, if so, what was its nature?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have received the petition and have informed the Joint Industrial Council that in my view the appointment of a committee for this purpose is unnecessary. The Joint Industrial Council have already sent certain particulars of the trade of its members to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who will be glad to receive any further information on the subject that the Council are able to provide.
§ Major DAVIESDoes the Prime Minister appreciate that it is not a request that he should reconsider any action, but merely that he should take steps to investigate the effects of legislation upon the particular industry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so, and I felt, looking into the matter, that all the information that could be gathered is already in our possession, and we have requested the organisation concerned, if it does not agree with that, to give us further information, and we are waiting for that information.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the result of the repeal of the Lace Duties has not taught the Government a lesson?