§ 6. Mr. MANDERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the effect on industry and employment in the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton of the recent Australian tariff; and whether he will make representations to the Australian Government on the subject?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 11th February last, alluding to the representations which had already been made.
§ Mr. MANDERWill the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of bringing before the Imperial Conference the question of the hostile attitude of the Australian Government towards this country?
§ Mr. HANNONHas the right hon. Gentleman received any representations from the manufacturers of Wolverhampton in favour of Imperial Preference?
§ Mr. GRAHAMAs regards the second supplementary question, I should require notice. This question refers to certain articles manufactured in the Wolverhampton area, and representations were made at the time. I cannot, of course, say anything at all as to what will be done at the coming Conference.
§ Captain GUNSTONOn a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member to refer to "the hostile attitude" of one of the Dominion Governments?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think that references of that kind ought not to be made.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am sure that the hon. Member did not mean that in any offensive way.
§ Mr. MANDERI was unfortunately unable to catch the remark which you made, Mr. Speaker, owing to the noise. Most certainly I do not desire to say anything which reflects on the attitude of the Australian Government, but I want to emphasise the fact that the action which they have taken is definitely injurious to this country.