4. Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increasing extent to which incandescent gas mantles are being imported into this country; whether in the month of November, 1919, the total import, valued at £1,880, was increased during the two succeeding months to £25,619; whether, from the 1st February to the 8th May in the current year, the import reached a figure of £35,804; and whether, in view of the serious consequences of this import to the employers of British workpeople, he will take appropriate steps to safeguard the industry and prevent unemployment?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe statistics quoted by my hon. Friend are substantially accurate. The Government is carefully watching the position, and I hope to be able to make a statement shortly as to this and cognate cases.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one British company has practically a monopoly of gas mantles, and that their shares have risen from 2s. 6d. before the War to 35s. at the present time?