HC Deb 07 July 1919 vol 117 cc1370-1
7. Mr. BETTERTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Regulations governing the importation of machine-made laces apply to all machine made goods from all sources; and, if not, whether he will state what countries are excepted there from and why such discrimination is exercised when in Nottingham and Long Eaton the majority of the machines are idle and a large number of workers are in receipt of the unemployment donation?

Sir A. GEDDES

The restriction on the importation of machine-made lace applies to lace emanating from all countries except France. Under an international agreement France has the right of sending to this country most of the articles on the import restriction list.

Sir J. D. REES

Does it come under any provision of international agreement?

Sir A. GEDDES

Not at the moment, nor will it as a separate thing, but the general question of imports, of course, applies.

Sir R. COOPER

Is it a fact that the majority of machines are idle and people unemployed?

Sir A. GEDDES

I require notice of that question.