§ 53. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there has been any change in the composition of the Import Duties Advisory Committee since it was first set up in 1931; whether any decision has been reached as to the period for which members of this committee should continue to hold office; and whether any changes in the composition of the committee are to take place in the near future?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThere has been no change in the composition of the Import Duties Advisory Committee since it was first appointed on 1st March, 1932. Under Section 2 (2) of the Import Duties Act, 1932, members of the committee hold office for a period of three years and are eligible for re-appointment. The present period of appointment of each of the three members expires on 28th February, 1938.
§ 55. Mr. MAXWELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state how soon the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee will be available on the question of imported barley?
§ Mr. MAXWELLIn view of the fact that this matter has been under consideration for over a year by the Committee, does not my right hon. Friend think it advisable to make some representations to the Committee as it is of urgent, vital and immediate importance to a. vast number of barley growers?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have no doubt that the Committee is quite aware of that. I understand that discussions are still going on.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYWill not the Govern-now consider taking the whole question of cereals out of the hands of the Import Duties Advisory Committee and handling it as a Government in view of the vital national importance of the whole matter?
§ Sir R. W. SMITHWill not the right hon. Gentleman press the Committee to hurry its report?