§ 1. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the President of the 2 Board of Trade the number of gas mantles imported from Germany into this country since the commencement of the year; and whether he is aware that the whole of the British gas-mantle industry is threatened with ruin owing to the importation of German gas mantles, which are sold in this country below the retail price in Germany?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)The number of incandescent gas mantles imported into the United Kingdom, consigned from Germany, registered during the period 1st January to 31st March, 1921, was 12,668 gross. Consideration has been given to the general position of the gas-mantle industry, and I am fully aware of its difficulties.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSCan the hon. Gentleman—whom I congratulate on his promotion—state what has become of the Report made at the time by the Committee which dealt with the Merchandise Marks Act, and before which important evidence was given with respect to this industry?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEAs the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the Government undertook to introduce a Bill to bring into effect the recommendations of the Merchandise Marks Committee as soon as possible.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSWill this industry be included in it?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe recommendations of the Committee are perfectly general in their character.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSWill that Report be available?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe Report was published as a Parliamentary Paper some time ago.
§ 2. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of gas lamps and burner fittings imported from Germany into this country since the commencement of the year; and if he is aware that the importation of these German-made goods which are sold at a lower price here than retailed in Germany, threatens men engaged in this trade with unemployment?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEGas lamps and burner fittings are not separately distinguished in the trade returns, and consequently I am unable to state the number imported. The number of lamps and lanterns (except electric) registered as imported into this country during the period 1st January to 31st March, 1921, consigned from Germany, was 43,739. As regards the second part of the question, I have no information as to the relative levels of German domestic and export prices for the commodities mentioned; but dumping, whether as an effect of collapsed exchanges or otherwise, is a matter covered by one of the Financial Resolutions to be moved to-morrow.