§ 52. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact; that Command Paper 4303 discloses that Since 5th August the Import Duties Advisory Committee have received further representations from the fabric glove makers and no opportunity for further representations has been afforded to the manufacturers of the cotton yarn, he will delay asking the House to approve the Additional Import Duties (No. 8) Order until equal opportunities have been given to both supporters and opponents of the duty?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have no doubt that the yarn manufacturers had full opportunity of placing their case before the committee during the original inquiry, and that the committee in making their second report were satisfied that they were in possession of all the information necessary to enable them to reach a decision. It is not proposed to allow the duty to lapse without affording the House the opportunity of approving the Order of the 28th April.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn view of the fact that the White Paper shows that additional evidence has been received by the supporters of the duty and no opportunity has been given to opponents of the duty to give further evidence, would it not be desirable, in view of the fact that grave injury may be inflicted on one of the most important trades in the country, the fine spinning trade, to hold up this proposal for further consideration?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSWill the hon. Member inquire at the Board of Trade whether during the five years the higher duty was in operation the spinners suffered any disadvantage whatsoever?
§ Sir JOHN HASLAMWill the hon. Member inquire whether the fabric glove people also increased their trade during the period of the five years?