§ 13. Major HOWARDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the prohibition by 1978 the French Government of the importation of manufactured silk from this country is for a fixed period or an indefinite one; and, as this prohibition will seriously affect the silk industry in this country, has any representation been made to the French Government on the subject?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)No fixed period was established for the continuance in force of the import prohibitions imposed by the French Decree of the 23rd April on silk manufactures and various other classes of goods. Representations were made to the French Government with the object of inducing them, if possible, to withdraw the prohibition in respect of silk mourning crêpe, of which our exports of silk goods to France mainly consist. From information which has recently been received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, it appears that the issue of a new Decree is now in contemplation, under which the prohibition will be maintained against a limited number of articles only, which, it is hoped will not include silk mourning crêpe.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI should like to have notice of that question.