HC Deb 10 June 1907 vol 175 cc1090-1
MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)

I bog to ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of foreign prison-made goods of a description manufactured in the United Kingdom, and not being goods in transit, imported into the United Kingdom in each year from 1898 to 190G respectively.

MR. KEARLEY

Under the "Foreign Prison-made Goods Act, 18E7," goods of the nature alluded to in the Question are seized on importation if the Commissioners of Customs arc satisfied as to their origin by evidence tendered to them. In 1898 goods to the value of £183 were seized under this Act. Since that year I understand that no further seizures have been made.

MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON

May I ask, in view of the fact that the limitation of sources of supply of goods for the United Kingdom is inconsistent with the pledges of the Government and incompatible with the interests of British consumers, when the Government propose to further the cause of free trade by introducing a Bill to repeal this Act?

MR. KEARLEY

I must ask for notice of that Question.