HC Deb 31 March 1936 vol 310 cc1797-8
54. Mr. MANDER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to amend the Import Duties Act, 1932, so as to make clear the circumstances under which Members of this House can personally approach the Import Duties Advisory Committee on matters connected with applications for tariffs?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

It may be perhaps for the general convenience if I state what is the existing practice in this matter. I am informed by the Import Duties Advisory Committee that, while they would not feel it proper to consider representations made by a Member of Parliament in his capacity as a Member, they would not refuse to hear an application from a manufacturer, trader, or official of a trade association, in regard to matters relating to the trade in which he was concerned, on the ground that he was also a Member of the legislature. The attitude taken by the Committee on this subject has the Government's entire approval, and I see no necessity for introducing new legislation.

Mr. MAXTON

Would an Opposition Member who represents the workers have the same right of access as a representative of employers?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If he had an official position, certainly.

Mr. MAXTON

Do I understand, then, that in order to get access to the Advisory Committee a man must either be a trade union official or in a particular line of business?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

He must be interested in the particular industry about which he wishes to make application.

Mr. MAXTON

I am interested in carpets from the worker's end; it is a big industry in my division. Can I approach the Committee about carpets?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the hon. Member is an official of an organisation representing workers in the carpet industry, the answer is yes, but if he is not, the answer is no.

Sir P. HARRIS

How about a Member of Parliament if he is representing consumers?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

He is in the same position as that taken up by the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton).

Mr. LEACH

Does not this practice of the Advisory Committee make it almost impossible for anyone to approach it except those who have axes to grind?