Further Protection For Iron and Steel Industry Sought by British M.P.s

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6676, 1 August 1928, Page 7

Further Protection For Iron and Steel Industry Sought by British M.P.s

FREE TRADERS, HOWEVER, SHOW WHITE FEATHER United Press Association—By ElootrU ; ' Telegraph—Copyright, v . Received Tuesray, 8.15 p.m; LONDON, July 31The closing days of the Parliamentary session were enlivened by a safe, guarding controversy; V ■. Following a speech by Mr. Winston Churchill, Chancellor ;of 'the Exchequer, on free trade lines have come speeches from Mr. L.'C. Amery, Dominion;, Secretary, and Sir W. • Joynson-Hicks, the Homo Secretary, advocating an extension of safeguarding to -the iron andsteel industries, after the general election the Daily Telegraph understands Cabinet's attitude as defined by a recent meeting may be summed up as follows;, ; Tha*iron and steel industries cannot be included In safeguarding cause this would involve the general tariff. The advantages of safeguarding have been amply demonstrated in other industries. Therefore the Government may propose a modification of the present procedure. But these will not involve any great change in the fiscal system. . The majority of Ministers unwilling to countenance any advance in the direction of the general tariff, believing it would bo dangerous' to the Conservative fortunes as in 1923. Moreover Mr. Baldwin is anxious that nothing should detract from. the prominence of rating reform. Meantime Seventy Conservative members yesterday reaffirmedloyal support to the Premier, but also' reasserted faith in safeguarding the iron and steel industries- as a remedy for unemployment. The Opposition press is naturally featuring the controversy as a split and revolt and even suggests that Mr. Amery has proffered his resignation.