§ Mr. RENWICKasked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that several ready-made clothing manufacturers now only cut out, the garments in this country and, after doing so, send them to the Continent to be stitched and completed and afterwards returned here ready for sale; and whether, in view of the unemployment existing, any means can be adopted to ensure that the whole of the work upon such clothing can be done at home?
Mr. TENNANTNo instances of the practice in question have been brought to my notice, and I have no reason to believe that it is widespread. I am not of opinion that any interference with the normal course of foreign trade is calculated to diminish unemployment.
§ Mr. RENWICKMay I ask whether he will make inquiries in Harwich as regards this traffic between Harwich and Continental ports?
§ Mr. H. J. TENNANTInquiries have been made of the two authorities dealing with such matters—the Customs authorities and Inspectors of Factories—and no practice of the kind referred to has ever been brought to their attention.