§ 45. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any information as to whether the Import Duties Advisory Committee proposes to adjourn at any time during the summer; and, if so, at what date arid for how long?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Walter Elliot)I understand that the Committee propose to make arrangements which will ensure that their work will continue uninterrupted throughout the summer.
§ 46. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the slow rate at which the recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee are being issued is adversely affecting the trade of the country, he proposes to appoint further commissioners?
§ Major ELLIOTI do not think that the work of the Committee would be aided at present by adding to their number. I would remind my hon. Friend that within six weeks of their appointment the Committee made recommendations covering a very wide range of manufactured goods. They have since made a number of further recommendations, some of them of the greatest importance.
§ Mr. ROBINSONIs the right hon. and gallant Member aware that in many cases industries have made representations to the committee, in some cases for raising the tariff and in others for lowering it, and that the only information they have received in the course of months has been that the committee is considering the matter?
§ Major ELLIOTYes, but I do not think that a larger number of persons will consider these matters any quicker than a small number of persons.