§ 2. Mr. RAMSDENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the large imports of textile goods have driven a number of firms out of business and caused unemployment in the worsted industry; and whether he will now consider the application of safe guarding to this industry?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIn accordance with the recommendations of the Committee appointed to consider an application by the worsted industry, the operation of the three factors to which they directed attention is being closely watched, but I am not satisfied that the position has changed since the Committee reported in a way which would justify the Government in taking action.
§ Mr. RAMSDENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the imports of woollen worsted goods have increased for the first two months of this year over the corresponding period last year by 1,800,000 square yards? Also is be aware that a considerable number of workers formerly employed in the textile industry have gone into other occupations rather than accept unemployment benefit?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think I am aware of all the relevant factors, only-some of which have been stated by my hon. Friend. The Government have watched the whole position. There are three things the Committee have to take into account. Those matters are being-watched and have been the subject of a special Report, and it is upon the whole of the information so received that I have given my answer.
§ Mr. HARRISDid not the Committee after a very protracted inquiry recommend that no duty should be put on, and did it not also point out that a duty on imported goods would interfere with the garment manufacturing industry, home and export, and raise the cost of clothes?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat was in the Report.
§ Colonel GRETTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that imported worsted goods represent employment for 60,000 persons during the early period of this year, and would this fact make any difference to the views of the Government?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, what the Government are bound to consider is whether the situation has materially changed for the worse since the Committee made its Report, and, after very careful consideration of all the figures and on information obtained from the trade, I am not able to say that is so.
Rear-Admiral Sir REGINALD HALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say from what country the goods arc coming?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think I can say that at once. It is naturally present to my mind. They originally came from Italy and France. The French importations on the whole have declined and the German importations have increased.