HC Deb 20 March 1947 vol 435 c97W
71. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that his officials have informed the British Federation of Elastic Web Manufacturers that their industry, along with other small industries, may have to be sacrificed at the forthcoming conference on tariffs in Geneva, for the benefit of larger industries; and why these smaller industries are so chosen.

Sir S. Cripps

The hon. Member appears to be misinformed. In trying to get a satisfactory general agreement on tariff reductions, some concessions will have to be made. In striking the balance, we shall have regard to the national interest as a whole, and there is no policy of calling upon particular industries to bear disproportionate burdens.