§ 49. Mr. CHORLTONasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the Import Duties have been shown to assist the manufactures of this country, particularly with reference to the reduction of 20 per cent. on textile manufactures?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)It is not possible to estimate the effect of any single factor upon the textile industries in recent months, but it is the case that up to the summer industrial production in these industries, as measured by the Board of Trade Index of Production, was greater this year than last year. The position has, however, been affected subsequently by the industrial dispute in the cotton industry.
§ Mr. CHORLTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say if the figures of the revenue returns do not indicate generally that trade has not been helped?