FABRIC CLUVES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 2 August 1922, Page 5

FABRIC CLUVES

DUTY

BY FREE TRADERS

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, July 31

The eagerly-awaited debate- in the House of bommons on the duty on fabric gloves attracted a full attendance. Owing to the decision of the Independent Liberals to oppose the imposition of the import duty at every stage, an allnight sitting was planned, and th© Government Avas prepared with relays of speakers, Avorkmg to a prearranged time schedule.

Sir Stanley Baldwin, in moving the resolution to impose the duty, described Lancashire’s case against the duty as very weak, and as only affecting a feAV hundred spinners. He, declared that it was his duty to attend to the safegunrding of industries, and not of members’ seats, and suggested that tho opposition of the duty was more due to the Free Traders’ desire to defeat the Government than to the fears of traders. Sir Henry Norman led the rebellious Coalition Liberals’ attack by moving an amendment to exclude fabric gloves from an order, on tire ground that the motion struck a blow at fiscal principles. which were vital to the prosperity of the country as a Avhole. Germany could not pay reparations without foreign trade, and must sell her own specialist manufactures. Avhether they competed with British or any other goods. Mr Asquith, in a full-blooded defence of Free Trade,principles, described the various anti-dumping orders as “an insignificant litter of mice,” and as costly, obstructive, and disastrous, interferences Avith freedom of trade. Mr Eonar Law, supporting the motion, reminded Mr Asquith of the Paris Economic Resolutions, Avhich Mr Asquith at that time defended on the ground that the country must., be protected against dumping and unfair competition. That Avas all that the order Avas intended to do. He believed that Mr Asquith had come to regard Free Trade as a religion, as a question of faith and morals. Mr Bonar Law asserted th"' anti-dumping orders as to individual articles did not involve the whole issue of Free Trade as against. Protection. At 11.30 Sir S. BaldAvin unexpectedly moved the closure,- Avfiich was earned by 307 to 78. Sir H. Norman’s amendment Avas defeated by 277 to 113. Captain W. Edge, Government Whip, has resigned, owing to his inability to support the Government on tho fabric gloves issue. LONDON, Aug. 1. In the House of Commons several Coalitionists, Liberals and Conservatives, including Lord Robert Cecil and Lord Enstice Percy, voted against the Government.

After the gloves debate the House debated other clauses, several amendments being moved, but the guillotine was applied twice, the Government maintaining substantial majorities. When the Labourites supported an amendment against the- duty on domestic glassware. Sir W. MitchoD-Thom-son twitted them with adopting an attitude injurious to- an important British industry.