§ 53 and 54. Mr. HOGGEasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is now in a position to state what restrictions he proposes to place upon the importation of all kinds of fruit, and when it will take effect; and (2) whether the restrictions on the import of fruit will include all bananas or whether it will apply to other bananas than those from the Canary Islands?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am not yet in a position to make a definite statement on the subject except that any restrictions which may be imposed will not apply to fruit coming from the Dominions or from British Colonies or Dependencies.
§ 55. Mr. HOGGEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make any statement about the prohibition of foreign films?
§ 61. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he has received a representation to the effect that, in view of the desirability of limiting unnecessary imports, the importation of foreign oysters and other shell fish, except for the purpose of planting for cultivation, should be prohibited; and if he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe advisability of further restrictions upon imports is receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.
§ 56. Major NEWMANasked whether it is intended that the importation of printed matter of all sorts shall be curtailed by regulation or by imposition of duty; and, if not, whether the Government have considered the disadvantage at which native printers are being placed owing to the curtailment and consequent rise in price of the import of the raw material of their industry?
Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that the question whether certain and, if so, what descriptions of printed matter should be regarded as covered by the proposed limitation of the imports of manufactures of paper is engaging the attention of the Commission, and I am awaiting a communication from them on the subject.