HC Deb 23 November 1926 vol 200 c198
5. Viscount SANDON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give artificial silk prices per pound for good average "A" quality British and imported Continental yarns in June, 1925, before the imposition of the tax and in August, 1926?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

As the statement desired by my hon. Friend includes a number of detailed figures, I will, with the permission of the House, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Viscount SAN DON

May I ask whether the figures do not provide an overwhelming vindication of the fact that under Protection the consumer does not pay the duty?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The figures show that in the two periods in question there has been a reduction in price in the latter as compared with the former period.

Following is the statement:

According to information published in "The Silk Journal," the approximate prices of imported Continental artificial silk yarns (First Quality) in June, 1925, were Os. 6d. per lb. for 150 denier, and 5s. 9d. for 250 denier yarns. In August, 1926, good quality "A" viscose yarns were quoted at 5s. 7d. for 150 denier, 5s. 3d. for 200 denier, and 5s. 1d. for 250 denier yarns, while other quotations (good average "A" quality) were Gs. 1d. for 150 denier, and 5s. 8d. for 200 denier yarns.

With regard to English artificial silk yarns, prices were not given in "The Silk Journal" for June, 1925, or near dates,, but in March, 1926, good average "A" quality yarns were approximately 7s. 3d. per lb. for 150 denier and 6s. 9d. for 200 denier yarns. The corresponding prices in August, 1926, were 6s. 3d. for 150 denier and 5s. 10½d. for 200 denier yarns.