§ 16. Mr. CHORLTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a list can be prepared and circulated of imports into this country which can readily be manufactured at home?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANImports into the United Kingdom are classified under many hundreds of different headings. I am not sure what meaning my hon. Friend attaches to the phrase "readily manufactured." In any case I hardly think that a list of the kind proposed would serve any useful purpose even if it proved practicable to compile it.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIn view of the importance of starting new industries in districts where unemployment is considerable, and that the right hon. Gentleman has the best information available to assist in the selection of such industries, will he not issue such a list?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have no doubt the usual stimulus exists in the district from which the hon. Member comes as well as elsewhere.
§ Mr. PIKEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that such information would be a direct guide to the Tariff Advisory Board?