HC Deb 26 July 1883 vol 282 cc560-1
MR. RITCHIE

I wish to ask the Government, Whether their attention has been drawn to the serious danger that may result to this country from the unrestricted importation of rags from Egypt; and, if so, whether they propose any steps in the matter?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, my attention has been called to this matter, and steps are under consideration at the present moment in regard to it. I may say that in regard to the only importation from Egypt by sea, because some Egyptian rags come overland—and we cannot distinguish which are from Egypt and which are not—we did make orders in regard to the cargo; but those orders were not actually issued, because the rags went on to America.