§ 2. Lieut.-Colonel DALRYMPLE WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether imports of German toys, as well as of toys which, though coming through neutral countries, are undoubtedly of German origin, are steadily increasing; whether the official statements of the values of such toys have been founded on English values or on the current value of the German mark; and whether, in view of the necessity for safeguarding this trade, which employs so large a number of disabled soldiers and sailors, he will 3 now consider the prohibition for at least two years of the importation of such toys as may reasonably be presumed to be of German origin?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe value of toys and games imported from Germany was substantially greater in November than October. The value of toys and games imported from all other countries was less in November than October; it is, however, impossible to say what proportion of them may be of German origin. As declarations of value are made on a C.I.F. basis, the current value of the mark is presumably taken in making such declaration. I am not prepared at present to adopt the course suggested in the last part of the question as the need has not yet arisen, but I may point out that it is with a view to having powers to cope with the sort of situation which may arise in this trade that the Imports and Exports Bill has been introduced.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether all these toys and other things imported have to bear the German trade mark?
§ Sir A. GEDDESNot each individual article. It is at present under the Merchandise Marks Act, and there is a Committee sitting now to consider whether that Act should be amended.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that English toy manufacturers have, directly after Xmas, or in the beginning of the new year, to prepare for toys for next Xmas?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI have a figure in my mind which I think is approximately right, but if the hon. Gentleman would like to know, and would put down a question, I will give him the figures.
§ Mr. HOUSTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not admit that there is an enormous increase since September in the importation of these German goods?
§ Sir A. GEDDESOh, yes; there was only £7 worth in September.
§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that imports in November came to no less than £51,800, and that they were three times as much as in October?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat may be so. That is not the figure I have in my mind—about three-fifths of that.
Dr. MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that toys now are so dear that poor people cannot buy them?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThere are toys and toys.
3. Major GREAMEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that manicure scissors made in Germany are being sold in large quantities in London at a wholesale price of 18s. 6d. per dozen while the wholesale price of similar scissors made in Sheffield is 39s. per dozen; and whether, in view of this instance of the effect of the German Exchange, any action will be taken to check the continued importation of these articles at a price with which the British manufacturers cannot compete?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI understand that the facts are substantially as stated in the first part of the question; but I also understand that the supplies of these scissors are very short.
§ Mr. BRIGGSMay I call attention to the fact that the manufacturers are so engaged that if the suggestion in the question were adopted, it would mean taxing the consumer without benefiting production?
§ Sir A. GEDDESYes, Sir; not only that, but the Sheffield people are doing extraordinarily well in the way of scissors.