§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade what principle he proceeds on in deciding which industries shall be shielded from foreign competition by the restriction of imports?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend made in this House on 10th March last. Industries which are being shielded by the restriction of imports from foreign countries during the transitional period are those which are temporarily unable to face foreign competition owing to disorganisation consequent upon the War, provided that this course appears on balance to be to the advantage of the country. No decision has been made without a thorough investigation by the Imports Consultative Council.