§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before the Safeguarding of Industries Act, Part II, is allowed to lapse, he will first make an inquiry into the effect of this step on employment in this country?
Mr. WEBBThe operation of the depreciated currency provisions of Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act was specifically limited to three years, and2024W could not be continued after the 19th August next, without fresh legislation. The decision not to introduce such legislation was taken by the Government after full consideration of all the circumstances, and I do not think that an inquiry into the anticipated effect of the cessation of these provisions, on the expiry of the period for which they were enacted, would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. KEENSasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of workpeople employed on carbon production in April, 1921, and in April, 1924, respectively, at the factory in this country which produces are-lamp carbons, and which was given the protection of 33⅓ per cent. tariff in the autumn of 1921 under the Key Industries Schedule of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?
Mr. ALEXANDERI regret that I cannot give details of an individual works, but I am informed that the number of persons employed in April of this year was approximately double that of April, 1921. The output of the factory includes, however, various types of carbons which are not covered by the Safeguarding of Industries Act.