§ 41. Major the Marquess of TITCHFIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade by what amount production for the home market of the lace trade has increased since 1924?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMIt is impracticable to frame any reliable estimate of the kind asked for by the noble Lord in view of the fact that the only information at my disposal is that supplied by certain manufacturers who represent little more than half the industry.
§ Sir H. CROFTWith reference to lace finishing, would it not be correct to say that 163.5 per cent. was approximately the increased production at home?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo, Sir; for the reason I have given those statements are very dangerous, to say the least. I would not commit myself to any figure, but I cover only half the industry in the returns.
§ Sir H. CROFTThe right hon. Gentleman would not contradict that figure?
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNIf the increase had been 163 per cent., would not employment have increased rather than slightly decreased?
§ 65. Sir HENRY BETTERTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present situation of the lace trade, he will now consent to receive a deputation representing all sections of the trade in order that they may have an opportunity of putting their views before him?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI understand that such a request has been received from the operatives in this industry, and that arrangements are being made to receive a deputation.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCan the right hon. Gentleman say why this departure has been made at this belated moment? Is it a case of "grovelling for votes"?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNot at all; the circumstances are not nearly so violent as the right hon. Gentleman seems to think. The cold fact is that this request was received a day or two ago, and we propose to meet the deputation.
§ Sir K. WOODWhy at this particular time?
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it not the fact that, just prior to the introduction of the Budget, 14,000 trade unionists petitioned 1626 the Government, asking them to receive a deputation or take action, and they were told that it was a waste of time?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI am not familiar with the date on that point, and I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to give me notice.
§ Sir H. CROFTI shall be very glad to do so.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWill the Chancellor of the Exchequer be present at the reception of this deputation, or is he going to pay a personal call on Nottingham? [Interruption.] May I press for an answer to the specific question whether, at the reception of the deputation which the President of the Board of Trade tells us will now be received, the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself will also be present?
§ Mr. GRAHAM rose—
§ Mr. BECKETTOn a point of Order. Is it in order for a question to be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade which should be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI did not see anything out of order in the question.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWith great respect, the President of the Board of Trade rose to reply to my question.
§ Mr. GRAHAMThe request has only been received, and I have indicated to-day that we are willing to receive a deputation. Arrangements will be made, and I have no doubt that information with regard to their nature will be open in due course to the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMay I put down a question on Thursday, asking if the Chancellor of the Exchequer will consent to receive the representations of the deputation?
§ Sir W. BRASSDoes he think he is going to learn anything from the deputation?
§ 66. Dr. HUNTERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can supply separately the figures for the import and export of the various types of lace for each year from 1924 to 1929, inclusive?
§ Mr. GRAHAMAs the figures asked for involve considerable labour, I pro- 1627 pose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as they are ready.