§ 1. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent currency changes in Belgium, he will take the initiative in recommending the Tariff Advisory Committee to raise the duty on Belgian bricks in order to protect British employment in the brick industry?
§ 3. Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing imports of caŕpets from Belgium competing with the manufactures of this country and the likelihood of more intensive competition from that country in view of the devaluation of the belga, he will himself make a special representation to the Import Duties Committee, pointing out the situation which arises from this circumstance and the necessity for an increased duty on these imports?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I would refer my hon. Friends to the full answer given to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on the 4th April.
§ Sir A. KNOXDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that immediate action is required; otherwise, a large number of men will be turned out of employment in the brick industry; and that a really ruthless tariff is required and not merely 10 per cent.?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf my hon. and gallant Friend had retained in his memory the answer given on Thursday last, he would have seen that provision is made for immediate action if necessary.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHIs my right hon. Friend aware that many industries are 951 very alarmed about the present position and will he consider advising the Import Duties Advisory Committee to recommend adequate duties, and, should the price level in Belgium rise at a later date adjustments could be again made?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is because industries were alarmed that the answer was given on Thursday last.