Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons am ar 30 Gorffennaf 1935.
Mr Arthur Caporn
, Nottingham West
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer the number of motor cars and chassis with engines imported into this country from the United States of America during the first six months of 1935; and what action he proposes to take to safeguard British interests?
Mr Neville Chamberlain
, Birmingham, Edgbaston
During the first six months of 1935, 3,698 motor vehicles and 1,430 chassis with engines, were imported from the United States of America. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hanley (Mr. Hales) on 21st May.
Mr Arthur Caporn
, Nottingham West
In view of the fact disclosed by the President of the Board of Trade a few moments ago of the vast difference between imports from America and exports to America, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this would be a very good opportunity for trying the effect of a tariff?
Mr Neville Chamberlain
, Birmingham, Edgbaston
I was under the impression that there was a tariff.
Mr Arthur Caporn
, Nottingham West
A ruthless one.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
