77. Major the Marquess of TITCH-FIELDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that uneasiness is being engendered in the ball- and roller-bearing trade owing to the uncertainty as to the future of Safeguarding; that many workers are being thrown out of the trade owing to this uncertainty: and what steps he will take to improve matters?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENI have no information on the allegations contained m this question.
Marquess of TITCHFIELDI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that by his inaction in this matter he has thrown out of work 300 of my constituents?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am not aware of the alleged facts stated by the hon. Member but I know that there is a widespread conspiracy to attribute unemployment, wholly due to other causes, to my refusal to anticipate the Budget statement.
Marquess of TITCHFIELDMay I send the right hon. Gentleman details of this, and will he come down to my constituency and see for himself?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the McKenna Duties affect not only the motor car industry but many subsidiary industries?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am perfectly well aware of that, and I am equally well aware of the very injurious effect that these duties have had, not only upon the motor industry, but upon many allied industries. And may I say, in reply to 650 the supplementary question of the Noble Lord, that if I came down to his constituency he might live to regret it.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDDoes the light hon. Gentleman adhere to his statement that his delay in giving any decision either one way or the other has had no detrimental effect whatever upon industry?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThere will be an opportunity of dealing with this matter fully next week and nobody will welcome that opportunity more than I shall.
Marquess of TITCHFIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman accept the invitation to come and speak in my constituency?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis matter does not arise out of the question.