HC Deb 06 December 1934 vol 295 cc1819-20
52. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Singer Manufacturing Company, Limited, Clydebank, have decided to transfer part of their production from Clydebank to France, and that recently another part of their organisation was transferred to Italy because of tariffs; and what action he intends to take to have tariffs reduced so that it will be unnecessary for British firms to transfer their industries from this to foreign countries?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

My attention has been called to Press statements to the effect suggested in the first part of the question. As regards the second part negotiations with a view to the reduction of tariffs in several foreign countries have been successfully carried through during the last two years, and further negotiations will be undertaken as and when appropriate opportunities offer.