§ 20. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the resolution carried at a meeting of the Power Loom Carpet Weavers' and Textile Workers' Association, of Kidderminster, representative of 4,000 members, to the effect that the time has arrived for the carpet industry to be safeguarded, in view of the great increase in imports and consequent unemployment of workers; and what reply, if any, he has made to this representation?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe resolution has been received and acknowledged.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the first time in the history of the trade that the two parties have both demanded an inquiry for Safeguarding, in view of the increased unemployment in the industry; and will he take the matter into serious consideration, and set up an inquiry as demanded by both sides?
§ Mr. GRAHAMIt is not within my knowledge as to whether this is the first time, but I have no doubt that the hon. Member is correct. In any case, it raises the question of Safeguarding or Protection, and I have always been quite frank with the House in saying that I cannot promise any policy of that kind.
§ Mr. WARDLAW MILNEIs not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to reconsider the matter in view of the fact that every section of the industry wants an inquiry?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThat is no reason why I should not say that over and over again during the industrial depression I have looked with great care into a wide variety of Protectionist proposals, and I am satisfied that they will aggravate rather than cure the trouble.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot have a fiscal debate on this question.