§ 10. Mr. HOGGEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of any price-fixing arrangements being in force amongst the manufacturers comprising the association which is seeking protection against importations of wire nails from Germany; and, if so, whether these have been taken into account by him in referring the complaint to a Committee under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have no information as to any agreements of the kind suggested by the hon. Member. In any event, I do not think their existence would be a reason for refusing to refer to a Committee of Inquiry under the Safeguarding of Industries Act a complaint in accordance with the provisions of that Act.
§ 14. Mr. C. WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of wire nails were imported into this country during the six months ended 31st March; what proportion of the total amount came from Germany; and can he give the figures showing the quantity and value imported during the year 1913?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe answer can most conveniently be given in the form of a table which, with the permission of the House, I will have printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the table promised:
§ The following statement shows the quantity and value of wire nails registered during the under-mentioned periods as imported into the United 947 Kingdom, distinguishing the imports from Germany:
| —— | Quantity. | Value. |
| (a) Imports of Wire Nails (including Staples). | ||
| Tons. | £ | |
| Six months ended March, 1922: | ||
| Imported from All Countries | 22,186 | 417,412 |
| Imported from Germany | 5,402 | 86,007 |
| (b) Imports of Wire Nails. | ||
| Tons. | £ | |
| Year 1913: | ||
| Imported from All Countries | 50,248 | 504,191 |
| Imported from Germany | 19,959 | 196,711 |