§ 78. Mr. O'CONNORasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the serious concern which is prevalent in the lace industry at the proposed withdrawal of the Safeguarding Duty on lace, he is prepared to reconsider his decision to allow this duty to lapse?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENNo, Sir.
§ Mr. O'CONNORIs the industry to understand that, however unanimous it may be in the expression of its views, it will have no avail against the fiscal prejudices of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEHas the right hon. Gentleman received a protest from Tiverton—a resolution passed last Friday—and will he do nothing to safeguard the livelihood of these people?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI have received no such representation. In regard to the other supplementary question, we are carrying out the policy which the late Government decided on—[Interruption].
§ Mr. O'CONNORArising out of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, if it is his definite intention not to reconsider this decision, what was the point of pretending to hear the views of the deputation during the by-election?
§ Major the Marquess of TITCHFIELDIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a most urgent question and that many men are already being turned away from lace factories in Nottingham?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am aware, I think, of all the facts connected with this matter, and, instead of tending to induce the Government to alter their decision, they only tend to confirm that decision.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIn view of the unsatisfactory answer of the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment on Friday.