HC Deb 08 May 1934 vol 289 c906
33. Sir FRANK SANDERSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that 19 out of the 20 main groups into which articles wholly or mainly manufactured are divided show a large quantitative increase in retained imports during the first three months of this year as compared with the corresponding period of last year, he will make a general representation to the Import Duties Advisory Committee as to the desirability of scaling upwards the general level of tariffs now imposed on manufactured goods?

Dr. BURGIN

No, Sir. It is for the industries concerned to make such representations as they may think proper to the Advisory Committee, who have at their disposal full information in regard to imports into the United Kingdom.

Sir F. SANDERSON

Does not my hon. Friend consider that the time has now arrived when it is not only advisable but essential that there should be a general increase in the import duties?