asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received an application to impose a duty on imported picture mouldings; and, if so, in view of the uncertainty that exists in the picture and photograph frame trade, will he make an early announcement on this matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Leigh on the 22nd May.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that when an announcement is made in a trade paper about application being made to impose a duty, it creates a certain amount of unrest and concern to that trade? Why cannot he make an announcement when he comes to a decision?

I do not agree with the hon. Member. A great many announcements appear and are taken for what they are worth.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not make a reference to the imposition of duty on a certain article and to the import of that article, showing the results of such an announcement?

Does my right hon. Friend's last answer apply to Government announcements?

I think the remark was of general application.