12. Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any Government restrictions on the importation of artificial flowers, fruits, and loaves from late enemy countries; if he can state the value of such imports during the last three months; whether the amount is progressively increasing, and at what rate; and whether he is aware that there are thousands of women in this country engaged in the trade the majority of whom cannot do anything else?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThere are no restrictions on the importation of artificial flowers, fruits, and leaves from enemy countries. The value of such imports during the last three months was £3,092, of which £2,039 came in the month of February. I understand that the number of persons employed in the industry in this country is approximately 4,000, of whom about nine-tenths are women and girls.