asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider prolonging the present Session to allow of legislation being introduced enabling the import duties on foreign motor cars to be imposed retrospectively as from 6th May, thereby effecting a saving of approximately £1,000,000 in the Estimates?

Quite apart from considerations of Parliamentary time, many serious questions are raised by retrospective legislation.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has not been drawn to a statement made in this House on the 6th May by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to the effect that he would not hesitate to come to this House for sanction to impose these duties retrospectively if he found his estimate of national revenue was being prejudiced by over-importation?

Yes, I had that statement in mind in the latter part of the answer I have just given to the House.