§ 8. Mr. HARRISasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the figures of the imports of gas mantles for the year previous to the imposition of the safeguard duty and for the last financial year, respectively, or the most convenient comparative periods?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe safeguarding duty came into force at the end of December, 1925. The imports of gas mantles during 1925 amounted to 208,902 gross. In 1926 the imports were 47,708 gross.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason for the falling-off of imports is the fact that the largest English manufacturer of these mantles has paid a bonus to the German manufacturers not to send them into this country?
§ Sir. P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am aware that there is an agreement with regard to markets. I am also aware that, but for the duty, the imports would be quite enormous and we should not be able to find a market for our own products.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not the case that prices have gone up 80 per cent.?
§ Mr. SPEAKERHon. Members are making speeches and giving their own views.