§ 6. Mr. LIDDALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the imports of agricultural machinery, other than tractors, rose from 238 tons in March, 1933, to 478 tons in March, 1934, and to 1,022 tons in March, 1935; and whether he can furnish an estimate of the number of British work-people who would have obtained employment if the machinery in question, imported in March, 1935, had been made in this country
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I am aware of the increase referred to. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that I am unable to furnish a reliable estimate of the kind desired.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNDo not the figures show that no country can prosper without a successful agriculture, and will the hon. Gentleman remember that in future trade agreements?
§ 7. Mr. LIDDALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of machinery in the month of March, 1935, totalled 6,326 tons as compared with 2,853 in March, 1933; and, having regard to this large increase, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that British workpeople obtain the employment represented by this importation of goods, the bulk of which could be produced in this country?
§ Dr. BURGINI am aware of the facts referred to by my hon. Friend. If the industries concerned consider that further protection is necessary, their proper course, as my hon. Friend is aware, is to make representations to the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. PIKEAre we to take it that if the industries concerned in home production do not continuously make representations to the Import Duties Advisory Committee the Government will continue to allow this very adverse balance of production to come from foreign countries in spite of the fact that we can produce the goods at home?
§ Dr. BURGINI hope that the House will not consider anything of the kind. We are discussing here increased imports of machinery, which are normally regarded as reflecting increased industrial activity.