§ 28. Mr. P. Wellsasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the motor vehicles, textiles, shipbuilding, agricultural machinery, and furniture trades are protected by tariffs.
§ Mr. H. StraussSince the import duties on the products of each of these industries cover so wide a range of goods, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the customs tariff, flagged for easy reference to the relevant items.
§ Mr. WellsIs the hon. and learned Member aware that considerable protection is afforded to these industries, which of course puts up the price to the domestic.consumer? In view of that fact, does he not think that the frequent jibe that farmers are unfairly subsidised and protected is rather unjustified?
§ Mr. StraussI had better confine myself to the Question which the hon. Member thought fit to put upon the Paper. I would remind him that import duties are not charged on industries but on particular products.