Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 27 March 1935.
Sir Geoffrey Mander
, Wolverhampton East
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer in how many cases and what new industrial research work has been undertaken as a result of duties imposed on the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee; and in what industries increased attention is being devoted to research consequent upon the same cause?
Mr Duff Cooper
, Westminster St George's
It is obviously impossible to make a detailed statement of the particular kind asked for by the hon. Member, but my right hon. Friend has no doubt that the assistance given to United Kingdom industries by protective duties has both encouraged and enabled manufacturers to engage in research on a substantially increased scale,
Sir Geoffrey Mander
, Wolverhampton East
But are there no means of obtaining for the House more precise information?
Mr Duff Cooper
, Westminster St George's
Obviously, it would be almost impossible.
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.
