1. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it has been decided to prohibit the import of all wooden tool handles; and whether he has considered the effect of such a prohibition upon munitions, agriculture, and other essential industries for which there is an urgent demand for tools which the Home supply of handles is inadequate to meet?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. George Roberts)Tool handles are already prohibited as wood manufactures, but tool handles of ash and hickory are at present being admitted under general licence. I can assure my hon. Friend that before any change is made all relevant considerations will be taken into account.
Mr. SCOTTIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the confusion that exists between the handles which may be used for domestic purposes, such as brooms, and other handles used for mechanical tools?
§ Mr. ROBERTSYes. I have observed that some confusion does exist.