Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSON:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all those industries which would be affected, adversely or otherwise, by either a duty on the imports of foreign iron and steel or a subsidy on the home products, will be allowed to give evidence before the Civil Research Committee when they commence their inquiries into this matter?

As I stated yesterday, the Government would not propose a safeguarding duty to Parliament except after an inquiry on the lines laid down in the White Paper. It is not intended that the Civil Research Committee should embark on such an inquiry, or that it would be within their competence to recommend the imposition of a duty.

Mr. THOMSON:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the industries referred to in the question will have the right to appear before the Civil Research Committee?

I have explained in my answer that the Civil Research Committee will not be concerned with recommendations. Like any other Cabinet Committee, it will have to take such steps as it thinks right to arrive at a conclusion.

How can they arrive at satisfactory conclusions without taking evidence and going to the natural sources of such information?

I did not say that they would take no evidence, but I can give no undertaking as to what evidence they will be prepared to take. They must take whatever they think to be the best course to arrive at a decision.

Commander WILLIAMS:

Has the Government had much support in this matter of safeguarding from the party opposite?

No.