§ 36. Mr. CAPORNasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of applications for an increase in Import Duty now before the Import Duties Advisory Committee; and how many of such applications were made prior to the 30th May and 31st July last?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)I understand that representations have been received by the committee from various associations and firms, relating to smaller or larger classes of goods which frequently overlap. Applications when first received are moreover often in a very tentative and incomplete form. It would not consequently be possible to give a total number which would convey the information which my hon. Friend presumably desires.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of delay in dealing with applications, particularly in-respect of small trade, and can something more satisfactory be done to deal with that question, because it is constantly raised in this House, and the objection still continues and nothing very satisfactory takes place.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI will call my hon. Friend's question to the attention of the committee, but, if there is delay, there is also thoroughness.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs the progress of the work of the committee in decreasing unemployment by encouraging industries satisfactory?