§ 7. Captain MARTINasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the hardship inflicted on English workpeople caused by the French Government decrees of 25th April placing an embargo on English crêpe, practically the only English silk fabric imported into France, with the result that the Essex silk winding mills are running short time and are having to close on Saturdays and Mondays; whether Italian manufacturers have succeeded in getting concessions on their silks from the French Government; and whether he will make representations to secure similar concessions to Great Britain considering that we import from France something like £20,000,000 worth of French silk?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am aware of the serious effect on the English crêpe industry of the French import prohibitions. Inquiry has been made as to the admission into France of silk fabrics from other countries, but a definite reply has not yet been received. Representations have already been addressed to the French Government regarding the admission of English crêpe, and I am hopeful of the result.
§ Sir R. HORNEI am afraid that I am not in a position to tell my hon. Friend the exact particulars with regard to that point.
§ Sir R. HORNENo doubt it would if the facts be as suggested.