HC Deb 10 May 1932 vol 265 cc1705-6
31. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of firms from the United States of America who have established factories in Great Britain, or intimated the building of same, as a result of the recent tariffs?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Board of Trade have received information of three cases in which American firms have established factories in this country during the past few months.

Mr. McGOVERN

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me in what industries these firms are engaged?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us where those factories are to be built?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid that none of them will be built in Scotland.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I am interested in more than Scotland, and I should like to put my question to the right hon. Gentleman again. Is he in a position to tell us where those factories are likely to be erected?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If notice is given, I shall be very happy to supply the information.

Mr. CURRY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are alive to the importance of inducing new factories to be set up in areas where the population is now unemployed?

36. Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of cases reported to him where negotiations for the erection of factories by foreign firms in this country have been interrupted owing to the reduction in the duties imposed under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The attention of the Board of Trade has been drawn to five cases in which it is alleged that negotiations by foreign firms to set up undertakings in this country have been interrupted for the reason to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

Lieut-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

Has not my right hon. Friend received very detailed particulars of one case of this sort from a firm in the North?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, I have received detailed particulars of that firm, and, I think, of one or two other firms.

Mr. HANNON

In cases of this kind, where great hardship is inflicted upon both the promoters of new factories here and upon people who come here, what steps do the Board of Trade intend to take to help in this matter?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The position is plain with regard to Import Duties under the Import Duties Act, and we cannot depart from that.