HC Deb 29 November 1920 vol 135 cc890-2
7. Mr. HURD

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many permits were granted in the first halves of 1919 and 1920, respectively, to German travellers representing in this country the following German industries, namely, steel rails, magnetos, silks, gloves, and toys, respectively, and what is the total number of such permits granted to such travellers in these two periods?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

I have been asked to answer this question, as it appears to relate to the number of permits granted under Section 10 (1) of the Aliens Restriction Act, 1919, to Germans to land temporarily in this country. The fullest available information on this subject as regards the present year will be found in the quarterly returns laid before Parliament. I regret that it is not possible to classify these permits in the manner suggested in the question. As regards 1919, I have stated several times that practically no Germans except British-born wives or widows and their children were allowed to land in this country during that year.

Mr. HURD

May I ask whether the permits identify the trade in which the travellers are concerned?

Mr. SHORTT

I think it would be possible on inquiry through the files and letters to find out the trades, but it would involve a great amount of work, and we are very busy with other work at present.

9. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the crisis in that portion of the glove and hosiery trade established during the War by renewed German competition; whether German gloves ire being sold at 9s. a dozen, while the cost of labour alone in similar gloves manufactured in this country is 13s. a dozen; and what action does he propose to take?

Sir R. HORNE

I am aware that the position in these trades is unsatisfactory. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for South Nottingham on the 17th November, a copy of which I am sending him.

Colonel NEWMAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Govern- ment Bill against dumping becomes an Act next June these trades will be dead?

Sir R. HORNE

I would like to remind the hon. and gallant Member that these are not really cases of dumping in the proper sense; they are really exchange questions.