§ 11. Mr. A. SHAWasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that French textile manufacturers are, and have for long been, receiving large quantities of German dyes, which enable them to compete with our textile manufacturers on favourable terms in foreign markets; and whether, in view of the importance to this country of its export trade in textiles, he can say whether we are receiving by way of reparation or otherwise an adequate proportion of the German output of dyestuffs?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have no reason to suppose that the French consumers of dyestuffs have been placed in an unduly favourable position, as compared with British consumers, in respect of supplies from Germany, or to doubt the adequacy of the supplies being received from that country by way of reparation and ether-wise. If my hon. Friend has any concrete evidence to the contrary effect I should be glad to consider it.
19. Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that German dyestuffs are imported into the United Kingdom, not only on direct registration, but also through countries whose frontiers are contiguous with those of Germany; and whether he can state, or estimate the total quantity of synthetic dyestuffs of German origin imported into the United Kingdom in the first nine months of the year?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am aware that a certain proportion of the exports of German dyestuffs is through Belgium and Holland, and it may be assumed for 816 practical purposes that the whole of the exports of dyestuffs consigned to the United Kingdom from these two countries is of German origin. The total quantity of synthetic dyestuffs and intermediate products imported into the United Kingdom from Holland, Belgium and Germany in the first nine months of the year was 2,986 tons. A small proportion of the dyestuffs consigned from Switzerland to this country is also probably of German origin, but it is not possible to form any reliable estimate of the amount. Of the amount referred to, 877 tons is in respect of reparation supplies from Germany.
Mr. DOYLECan the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the very large increase in the imports of German dyestuffs, what is the position of the subscribers to the British Dye Corporation who were induced to subscribe upon the condition that foreign dyestuffs would be prohibited?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a new question. The hon. Member had better put it down on the Paper.