§ 2. Major Sir KEITH FRASERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the fact that the majority of the hosiery machinery installed during the War is now standing and much unemployment exists in consequence of the enormous import of foreign goods of similar make; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify this state of things?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Robert Horne)I know that unfortunately employment in the hosiery trade is not satisfactory, and that there have been considerable imports of certain descriptions of hosiery in recent months. In so far as these imports are sent here at dumped prices, the matter will be dealt with in the Anti-Dumping Bill which the Government has undertaken to introduce.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to introduce that Bill at an early date?
§ Sir R. HORNEWe propose to introduce the Bill at as early a date as we can.
§ Mr. TERRELLWill it be this week or next week?
§ Sir R. HORNEIt is not possible to give more definite information.
§ Mr. DENNIS HERBERTIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to make any statement as to dealing with the question of the rate of exchange in connection with this problem?
§ Sir R. HORNEThat also forms part of the matters which are under consideration.
11. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade when the Government proposes to take action to protect the hosiery, lace, and fabric glove trades from the dumping of foreign-made goods of the like character, made under more favourable circumstances at prices with which British manufacturers cannot compete?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am afraid that I cannot add anything to the answers given by the Prime Minister on the 28th October to the hon. Member for Chippenham (Mr. G. Terrell).