HC Deb 27 March 1934 vol 287 cc1800-1
54. Mr. REMER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that the negotiations between the Lancashire and Japanese textile interests have broken down, he will now ask the Import Duties Advisory Committee to proceed with their consideration as to the incidence of the Silk Duties?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

As my hon. Friend was informed on the 15th March by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, the two Governments are now engaged in reviewing the situation that arises as a result of the breakdown of the negotiations referred to in the question. In these circumstances, I have nothing to add, as regards the Silk Duties, to the answer which was given to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Lyons) on the 5th December last.

Mr. REMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the uncertainty in the silk industry is causing great unemployment at the present time and-would he not do something in order to get finality in the matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware of all the circumstances.