§ 8 and 9. Sir H. CROFTasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether his attention has been called to the increase of retained imports of woollens and worsteds, the nett imports of which in 1926 was 60.6 per cent. greater than 1923; whether he is aware that the first four months of 1927 shows an even greater increase in these imports, and that distress in the West Riding of Yorkshire is acute; and whether, in view of these facts, the Government are now prepared to consider what action they can take to meet the situation;
(2) whether his attention has been called to the decline in exports of British hosiery during the first four months of 1927 compared to 1926 and the rise in the value of imports of foreign hosiery in the same period, with consequent distress amongst employés in that industry; and in view of the fact that according to the Report of the Committee appointed by the Board of Trade to inquire into the hosiery industry all conditions laid down by the Government have been satisfied, what action the Government is prepared to take to meet this situation?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Government have under constant review the various factors affecting these industries as recommended in the Reports of the Committees.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it a fact that the position has gone against these trades in the last two months; and may we be assured that the whole matter is being reviewed by the Cabinet owing to the great distress which occurs in both of those areas?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have already said that the considerations and recommendations of the Committees reports are under review.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not the fact that although you may, perhaps, prevent 1807 these goods from coming in here you cannot prevent them finding their way into the international market and thus making it more difficult for our people at home to get their goods into the international market.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat really is a rather complicated issue. On the whole, I can strongly disagree with the hon. Member.