§ 20. Colonel P. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the action taken by certain firms in exporting quantities of cotton and woollen cloth and yarn to the Continent of Europe, particularly to Holland, for the purpose of being dyed, on the ground that it is impossible to obtain dyes of equal quantity and value in this country owing to the operations of the Dyestuffs Act; and, seeing that this diversion of business to the Continent is not only causing unemployment in Lancashire and elsewhere, but is also diverting substantial freight from British ships to foreign bottoms, will he inquire into the matter?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am aware that certain quantities of woollen and cotton yarn and cloth are being exported to the Continent for the purpose of being dyed or printed there. My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that a similar practice prevailed before the War, and I have no evidence that it is carried on more extensively to-day, or that it is due solely or even mainly to the cause which he mentions.
§ Colonel WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware whether this practice has been very much increased during the last few months, and if he is not will he try to get some information, because our information is that it is very extensive?