§ 26. Mr. LIDDALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of agricultural machinery in September, 1934, were 729 tons as compared with 527 tons in September, 1933.; and will he state what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the facts to which my hon. Friend draws attention. As regards the last part of the question, there is nothing I can add to the reply which was given to him on the 8th May.
§ Mr. LIDDALLWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the Import Duties Advisory Committee take note of the question of agricultural machinery?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the matter be brought before the notice of the Committee by the manufacturers of agricul- 806 tural machinery, no doubt it will take note of it and examine it.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHSeeing that this increase of imports has no relation to increased trade in the country demanding raw materials, is it not likely that the imports of manufactured goods will increase during the next few months and demand the attention of the Board of Trade rather than merely the attention of Import Duties Advisory Committee?