§ 40. Mr. P. Robertsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now place the importation of wood flour on the individual licence system.
§ Mr. H. StraussNo, Sir. The proper method of protection for British industry is the tariff, and wood flour producers in this country are free to apply for an increase in the present tariff, if they are dissatisfied with the present rate of 15 per cent.
§ Mr. RobertsIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is some urgency in this matter and that negotiations for a tariff would take some time? Is he not further aware that there is a surplus production of this form of sawdust, that we are importing thousands of tons of that for which we have to pay gold while at the same time we are producing all that we need except for 2,000 tons'? Can I have an answer?
§ Mr. StraussI am aware of the hon. Gentleman's allegation, but nevertheless the difference exists between what it is right to do by tariff and by import restrictions.