§ 16. Mr. T. Williams (for Mr. A. V. Alexander)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, at the time the import duty of track-laying tractors was increased, an assurance was given by home manufacturers that a suitable tractor would be produced in this country; whether he is aware that the National Farmers' Union are of opinion that that promise has not been fulfilled and that farmers are in consequence handicapped in their business; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. StanleyThe report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, dated 9th June, 1936, which recommended an increase in the duty on track-laying tractors to the present rate, stated that the committee had taken into account the capacity of the British manufacturers to produce an adequate supply of track-laying tractors of proved capacity. I am not aware that the present rate of duty is a handicap to farmers; but if the National Farmers' Union are of that opinion, it is open to them to make representations to the committee.
§ Mr. WilliamsIf representations were made to the Minister with regard to unfulfilled promises, would he look into them?