World Economic Conference.

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 15 March 1933.

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Photo of Mr Henry Croft Mr Henry Croft , Bournemouth

I can answer that at once. I think the scaling down of these duties from 50 per cent. to 20 per cent. was a most ghastly blunder. I think it was lack of experience. I want to see an average of more than 33⅓ per cent. In fact, I should like to see 33⅓ per cent. as the minimum. Since the hon. Gentleman asked me a question, I am absolutely convinced that if we could have kept this great range of goods on the 50 per cent. basis the right hon. Gentleman could then have gone to the International Conference, and he would have had a very much easier task. I believe that the vast majority of Members in this House do not agree that our tariff was introduced merely to promote Free Trade. Our tariff was introduced to give employment to our people, and we rejoice for what has been achieved. The hon. Gentleman knows that comparing this country with any other country in the world since we introduced our tariff we ought to go down on our knees and thank Heaven that the position of our country is so good compared with that of other countries.