HC Deb 21 June 1932 vol 267 cc901-3
49. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the increase of approximately 50 per cent, in the importation of foreign leather and fabric gloves for the month of May, as compared with April, since the removal of the protection afforded by the Abnormal Imports Duty of 50 per cent.; and whether, in view of

the export of arms from this country to Japan or China have been granted this year to the latest available date?

Mr. COLVILLE

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the quantities of the material in question for which export licences have been issued up to the end of May.

Mr. HANNON

Does that show that there is no foundation for the allegation that indiscriminate licences are being given to export arms from this country to the Far East?

Mr. COLVILLE

All these applications are examined very carefully.

Following is the statement:

the position of the industry in this country, he can give any indication as to when he will be in a position to issue a further Statutory Order?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the increase in importations. My right hon. Friend cannot, of course, make an Order increasing a duty except upon a recommendation from the Import Duties Committee. The committee have given public notice that applications in respect of gloves are before them.

Sir B. PETO

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that an immense increase of importation from Czechoslovakia is only held back because of the dread of the exporters of an increase in the tariff; and is he aware that if there is not an early decision in this matter a fresh flood of importations will come in at low prices?

Major ELLIOT

I am sure that those considerations will be before the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Mr. LEONARD

Is it also the case that much of the material supplied to the Czechoslovakia factories comes from the Midlands of England?

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman convey the substance of this question and the reply which he has given to the Imports Duties Advisory Committee?

Major ELLIOT

No, Sir. The Import Duties Advisory Committee are closely in touch with all these matters and representations have been made directly to them.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Is it not understood that this committee is to be free from political pressure?

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