HC Deb 01 December 1919 vol 122 cc4-5
5. Mr. WADDINGTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Department of Oversea Trade is sending circulars to Lancashire cotton manufacturers stating that certain Japanese cotton goods are equal in quality and finish with Lancashire product, and that the packing of the goods is superior to Lancashire packing; if so, how does he reconcile these circulars with his statement that Japanese competition is not to be feared; and is he aware that certain cotton cloths formerly sent to South Africa by Lancashire manufacturers are now only sent there after the Japanese manufacturers have refused the business, preference being given on account of the lower price to the Japanese goods produced by low-paid labour?

Sir A. GEDDES

The Department of Oversea Trade has issued circulars calling the attention of manufacturers to the fact that cotton blankets supplied from Japan to South Africa compare favourably with similar articles made in Lancashire, and to the fact that the packing of a consignment of cotton waste from Japan to the Beira, Mashonaland and Rhodesia Railways is superior to that employed by the English exporters. There is no doubt that in some lines Japanese products compare favourably with similar articles manufactured in this country, but these lines do not constitute the bulk of our exports, and there are other factors that militate against their popularity, to which the hon. Member will find reference in one of the circulars. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, but I shall be glad to inquire into the matter if the hon. Member will furnish me with further details.

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