HC Deb 18 February 1937 vol 320 c1394W
Mr. Hall-Caine

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will ask the Import Duties Advisory Committee to examine and report upon the question as to what new industries might advantageously be set up in this country on a profit-making basis, both in the Special Areas and elsewhere, if there were to be an increase or an adjustment of import duties on certain categories of manufactured goods now being imported from abroad?

Mr. Chamberlain

The question whether certain kinds of goods could be manufactured profitably either in the Special Areas or elsewhere depends on a number of factors besides that of import duties, and I do not think a report of the kind suggested would be practicable or useful.