§ 2. Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is an increase in the importation of foreign woollen and worsted manufactures during the past four years; and, if so, what is the total value of such increase?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir. The value of the net imports of woollen and worsted manufactures (except yarns) in the last four years was £4,092,000 in 1922, £6,063,000 in 1923, £7,847,000 in 1924, and £9,451,000 in 1925.
§ Sir H. CROFTMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether in view of the great unemployment disclosed in recent figures in these industries the Government intend to take any steps to try and remedy it?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERMy hon. and gallant Friend's question refers to imports and not unemployment, but if he will put a question in reference to unemployment, I will answer it.
§ Sir H. CROFTDoes not one follow on the other?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNot necessarily.
§ Mr. MACKINDERDoes that represent an increase in the yardage, or only in unemployment?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, it does represent an increase in the yardage. I have gone into this matter rather closely, and have compared the prices. The difference in prices is not very considerable, and the figures given in pounds sterling really represent a very substantial volume of trade.
§ Mr. MACKINDERMay I ask which country is the greatest exporter?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must put that question down.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIf the hon. Member will put that question down on the paper, I will give him the actual yardage.