RATIONALISATION OF INDUSTRIES. (Hansard, 20 July 1937)

§ 20. Mr. Shinwell
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recommendations contained in the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee regarding rationalisation in the iron and steel industry, it is intended to ask the Committee to report on the need for rationalisation in other industries which are afforded the advantages of protection?

Mr. Stanley
No, Sir. The hon. Member will be aware that there were special circumstances leading to the inquiry into the iron and steel industry by the Import Duties Advisory Committee which are not present in the case of other industries.

§ Mr. Shinwell
May I ask whether, in view of the measure of success attending the efforts of the Import Duties Advisory Committee in regard to the iron and steel industry, it would not be possible to extend those activities in other desirable directions?

Mr. Stanley
The position was this. It was the Import Duties Advisory Committee which, when considering an application for duties, called attention to the need for reorganisation, and it is possible for them, whenever they are considering an application for duties, to call attention to the need for reorganisation in the industry.

§ Mr. Shinwell
Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that his predecessor stated definitely in the course of the Debate that he intended, because of the difficulties surrounding the organisation of the iron and steel industry, to make such reference to the Import Duties Advisory Committee? He took the initiative himself.

Mr. Stanley
I think the hon. Gentleman misunderstood me. As far back as 1932, when the question of duties on iron and steel was before the Committee, the Committee called attention to the need for reorganisation in the industry.

§ Miss Wilkinson
Does the Minister think that the results of the iron and steel rationalisation have been such a frantic success that he wants to extend it to other industries?

Mr. Stanley
There have, of course, been difficulties, but, on the whole, I think it is working extremely well.

§ Mr. Mander
Is it not part of the duty of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to watch these matters in connection with all industries, and report to the Government?