HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 c1509
11. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking any steps to safeguard British trade against special subsidised exports from certain countries; and is he now in a position to make a statement on this problem?

Mr. Stanley

Our tariff system is designed to safeguard British trade in the home market against excessive competition of any kind. The problems presented to British trade by such competition in other markets are varied and require varied methods of treatment, which can generally best be considered in the first place by the industry concerned. I am ready to give what help I can in any particular case.

Mr. Smith

Do I take it that the Board of Trade are taking the initiative in this matter, with a view to calling conferences of the industries mostly affected?

Mr. Stanley

I did refer to this matter in a speech which I made recently in the House, and I can assure hon. Members that we are pressing on with it in whatever ways we consider best.