HC Deb 24 March 1919 vol 114 cc2-3
1. Mr. WADDINGTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of Japanese competition, if he has any proposals to make to assist those engaged in the cotton spinning and weaving trade of Lancashire to maintain its trade?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)

The Board have no reason to doubt that the efficiency and enterprise of Lancashire will enable foreign competition to be met effectually in the future as in the past. The Board of Trade are giving the matter careful attention, and if the hon. Gentleman has any specific proposals to make, my right hon. Friend will be glad to be informed of them.

Mr. WADDINGTON

Would the hon. Gentleman cease to issue licences for the import of cotton cloths so long as the Lancashire operatives are out of work?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That is a question which would naturally come before the Committee on Import Restrictions.

4. Major HURST

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will expedite his decision as to whether the embargo on imported cotton hosiery will be continued until January, 1920, and thereby relieve British manufacturers of their present uncertainty on this point?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

As has already been announced in the House, the Committee set up to advise as to import restrictions will make recommendations as to the policy to be adopted up to 1st September of this year, before which date the matter will be considered.

Major NALL

Will the hon. Gentleman impress on the Committee that any extension of the cotton hosiery trade is absolutely held up until some final decision is taken?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Yes, Sir.