HC Deb 16 April 1919 vol 114 cc2886-7
39. Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, after, encouraging British glass manufacturers to make oil-lamp chimneys during the War, he has now given a licence for the importation of 20,000 gross of chimneys without first offering the contract to British manufacturers; whether the contract has been given to firms who before the War were agents of German and Austrian companies; whether, in view of the present cost of material, coal, and labour, it is impossible for home manufacturers to compete with such imports; and whether such policy is a violation of the decision of the Government to prevent dumping?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Licences have been granted to some thirty firms to import glass lamp chimneys to the aggregate number stated in the question. The licences were granted on the joint recommendation of the Ministry of Munitions and the London Chamber of Commerce, the recommendation being founded on the extreme scarcity of lamp chimneys of British manufacture. The chimneys are being imported in the ordinary way of trade, and no Government contract is involved. I may add that no suggestion has been received from any quarter that the restriction on these articles should be maintained.

Brigadier-General CROFT

Is my hon. Friend not aware that the firms making these chimneys were not asked to contract in any way, and is he aware also that these licences are being granted to firms who, as the Government were informed at a very early part of the War, were German or Austrian agents?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I understand there is no question of contract in it at all; or no question of asking anybody for a contract; but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me the facts he has in mind I will investigate them.

Brigadier-General CROFT

Will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that these agents, of German and Austrian firms will not be permitted to dump these articles in this country, when we are capable of making them ourselves?

Captain, W. BENN

Is the, hon. Gentleman aware that chimneys for oil lamps are a necessity for poor people?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

And for others.