HC Deb 14 May 1934 vol 289 c1443
46. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact, as revealed in the Board of Trade Journal of 3rd May, that the retained imports of machinery during the first quarter of 1934 have increased by 54.1 per cent. over those of the first quarter of 1933, he will draw the attention of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to this matter, with the request that they will intimate to the various branches of the industry concerned that they are prepared to consider an application for an increase of duty?

Dr. BURGIN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on 8th May.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will my hon. Friend indicate when an announcement is to be made?

Dr. BURGIN

If my hon. Friend would refer to the answer that I gave on 8th May he would see that these imports are far from being the detriment that he has assumed.