§ Major Procterasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the increased imports of cotton and rayon textiles into this country; and, in view of the unemployment in the cotton industry, what action he proposes to curtail these imports?
Mr. StanleyIn the first five months of this year, the imports of cotton piece goods were greater, and those of rayon piece goods less, than in the corresponding period of last year. Imports of both classes of goods are small compared with United Kingdom production. If the British interests concerned consider there is a case for further protection, it is open to them to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee.