HC Deb 20 January 1931 vol 247 cc11-2
14. Mr. WHITE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make with regard to setting up a committee of inquiry into the working of the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act?

15. Major NATHAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade the steps taken or proposed to be taken for the setting up of an inquiry into the operation of the Dyestuffs Act?

17. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Government proposes to make a full inquiry into the position of the dyestuffs industry before the end of 1931?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The subject has been fully explored already, and I see no advantage in instituting another inquiry.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether an inquiry is not desirable with a view to safeguarding wages and prices and as to the national control of the industry?

Mr. GRAHAM

That is rather a separate issue. I am dealing here with the point which was before the House on the last occasion, and certainly at the moment, having regard to the very full review of the statutory committee under the Act, I can promise no other inquiry.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Were not the points which I have mentioned brought before the House in the debate?

Mr. GRAHAM

Yes, Sir, that may be so; but I am dealing at the moment with the position under this Act of Parliament, and not with any other position.

Sir DENNIS HERBERT

Is that reply intended to indicate that the Government do not see any prospect of getting any support for the policy which they pursued on this question a few weeks before Christmas?