§ 51. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the duties imposed on imports competing with British manufacturers are now only in effect of a revenue nature, he will say what is the policy of the Government with a view to affording sufficient assistance to the industries concerned, either directly or in the increase of labour employed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)I do not accept my hon. Friend's premiss, but in answer to his question, Parliament on the recommendation of the Government has entrusted to the Import Duties Advisory Committee the task of deciding what recommendations to make for the charge of additional customs duties, having regard to the advisability in the national interest of restricting imports into this country and the interests generally of trade and industry in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs the Financial Secretary aware of the serious effect that this will have on small men, who will not always be able to make representations to the committee?