§ 87. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of imports of all manufactured goods from Japan into the United Kingdom during the first four months of 1914 and 1919?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe value of merchandise (classed in our Trade Returns as "articles wholly or mainly manufactured") imported into the United Kingdom and registered as consigned from Japan amounted to £l,092,666 in the first four months of 1914, and to £7,210,055 in the corresponding period of 1919. In this connection the great rise in prices between1914 and 1919 should not be overlooked.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs the Department of the hon. Gentleman taking special steps to protect both British industry and British labour against these growing in roads?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Government are considering that question. It is a matter perpetually under consideration.
§ Sir F. HALLDoes the Department of the hon. Gentleman attribute the enormous increase from 1914 to 1919 to the very low amount that is paid in wages in Japan compared with the wages that have to be paid in this country; and does the hon. Gentleman appreciate the difficulties of the situation and the way this is going to prejudice British manufactures here?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, Sir, I am quite aware of the difference between the cost of labour in the respective countries, and also appreciate the difficulties of the situation.
§ Sir F. HALLAre the Government going to take any steps to protect British manufactures here?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is another thing.
§ Mr. SPEAKERFurther questions had better be put on the Paper.