HC Deb 29 July 1930 vol 242 cc247-8
6. Mr. MANDER

asked 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. MANDER

Will 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. HANNON

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations from the manufacturers of Wolverhampton in favour of Imperial Preference?

Mr. GRAHAM

As 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 GUNSTON

On 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. SPEAKER

I think that references of that kind ought not to be made.

HON. MEMBERS

Withdraw!

Mr. SPEAKER

I am sure that the hon. Member did not mean that in any offensive way.

Mr. MANDER

I 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.