§ 43. Mr. PHILIP OLIVERasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is still the opinion of his advisers that it is essential to maintain in this country an efficient dyestuffs industry for research and other purposes; and what comparable alternative for the safeguarding of the industry do they propose which is more consistent with the general fiscal and commercial policy of this country than a continuance of the Dye-stuffs (Import Regulation) Act?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. T. Shaw)It is the business of my advisers to advise on questions of national defence, and from this point of view the importance of an efficient dye-stuffs industry is recognised. My ad- 795 visers would not, however, make proposals in the sphere of fiscal and commercial policy.
§ Mr. OLIVERMay we take it that they have no alternative plan?
§ Mr. SHAWIt is not the business of the advisers of the War Office to make plans of a fiscal nature.
§ Mr. OLIVERAm I to understand that the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman in December last that they were considering comparable plans with other countries, was not correct?
§ Mr. SHAWI never made a statement that the advisers of the War Office were considering alternative plans. It is not their business to advise as to fiscal policy.