HC Deb 17 May 1916 vol 82 cc1533-4
111. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the advisability of appointing an advisory committee, composed of representatives from trades affected, to recommend articles which should and should not be restricted?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I fear that this suggestion is not a practicable one.

112. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Customs' officials at Glasgow freely admit iron hinges to be imported, and the Customs' officials at Hull refuse to permit such goods to be cleared without licence; and whether he will bring the practice at Hull into conformity with the practice at Glasgow?

Mr. PRETYMAN

The importation of hinges is regarded as prohibited, and the Customs have now been so informed.

113. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to consider restricting the import of such goods as cash registers, wringers, sewing machines, vacuum flasks, typewriters, and other bulky goods of similar nature not absolutely necessary for national welfare or war purposes, and withdrawing restrictions on tool and implement handles and other items not only necessary for national welfare but also for war purposes?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I will consider the suggestions contained in the first part of the question, and, as regards the latter, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Monday last.

114. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that considerable doubt and uncertainty exists both in this country and abroad as to what are the articles the import of which is restricted or prohibited; and if he is prepared to issue a detailed list of restricted or prohibited imports, and see that such list is not only widely published in this country, but also published abroad, as well as circulated through Consuls in different countries, especially in view of the losses imposed on importers who may unwittingly ship goods which are prohibited?

Mr. PRETYMAN

All prohibitions, when announced, and such official interpretations as have been published in the Press, have appeared from time to time in the "Board of Trade Journal," which is regularly sent to His Majesty's Consular officers at all important posts.