§ 99. Mr. de ROTHSCHILDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Imports Advisory Committee have considered the communication from the National Farmers' Union opposing a promised increase in the duty on foreign agricultural tractors, on the ground that British tractors are being sold at prices which British farming cannot afford; and whether any recommendations on the subject have yet been received by the Treasury?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. W. S. Morrison)It is the statutory duty of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to consider any representations made to them on matters within their province. With regard to the latter part of the question, I am sure that the hon. Member will appreciate that it would not be in the public interest for me to answer questions of this nature. Whether the answer on this occasion were in the affirmative or in the negative, it would be difficult to reply on all occasions without sooner or later giving information which might lead to forestalling.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that British tractors have a much longer life than foreign tractors?
§ Mr. MORRISONThat is a matter for the Committee, and not for me.