21. Colonel BURNasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the large number of people in the artificial flower trade who are thrown out of employment by the unchecked imports of German goods in this line of business; and what steps does he propose taking to put an end to this?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have received representations as to the position in this trade. The recorded imports of artificial flowers from Germany are, however, very small at present. On the general question of imports resulting from the exchange situation, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 17th November to the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck).
Sir F. HALLIs he right hon. Gentleman aware that Germany largely built up her Navy on the free imports that came into this country, and does he not think it advisable that the Government should take steps to protect this trade?
§ Sir R. HORNEI think the German Navy was built up with more than flowers.