§ 46. Mr. CAPORNasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Import Duties Advisory Committee, in accordance with the duty imposed upon them by the provisions of the Import Duties Act, 1932, consider a substantial rise in the imports of any classes of manufactured goods which are either articles of luxury or can be produced here in substantial quantities, including such articles as hosiery, lace, and gloves, and make recommendations for any revision of duties they consider advisable to secure national interests, including those of restricting imports and increasing employment without waiting for an application from any outside source; and if he will direct the attention of the committee to the substantial rise in imports in the articles specified since the beginning of the present year?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)The committee are required by the Import Duties Act to take into consideration any representations which may be made to them, and they have power to make a 1531 recommendation even in the absence of representations where it appears to them that, having regard to the provisions of the Act, an additional duty ought to be charged. The committee are supplied regularly with the official returns of imports.
§ Mr. CAPORNDo the committee, in fact, regard it as a duty to the workers of the nation to exercise their statutory powers, without waiting for representations from the employers?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI think so. I have no reason to suppose otherwise.