§ 20. Mr. HE'RBERT WILLIAMS(for Mr. MITCHESON) asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to institute an inquiry, through the medium of a departmental committee or otherwise, into the question of surplus production plant which may arise in any industry through the establishment in this country of factories owned by foreign capital?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe Government have kept under review the movement on the part of foreign manufacturers to establish factories in this country and, as my hon. Friend will be 323 aware, lists of these new undertakings are furnished to the House every six months or so. The situation has not, however, developed in a manner suggesting adequate grounds for action on the lines proposed.
§ Mr. LAWSONDoes the hon. Gentleman accept the implication in this question that foreign-owned factories are closing English factories?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas my hon. Friend received any complaints in connection with the shoe manufacturing industry?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI cannot say without notice of the question.