HC Deb 05 July 1928 vol 219 cc1577-9
68. Sir F. HALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the importation of matches into this country from Russia which are put up in a way calculated to deceive the public as to their place of origin; whether he will state the quantities of Russian matches imported into this country for the years 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1927, respectively; and whether steps will be taken to prevent the underselling of British matches in this way by an article produced under inferior labour conditions?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to ask before this question is answered, whether the last half-dozen words are in order unless substantial proof is forthcoming that the statements made in the question are true?

Sir F. HALL

May I reply to that question, Mr. Speaker, by saying that it is a well known fact, and we can produce figures showing, that these matches are produced under conditions of labour which would not be recognised in this country?

Mr. SPEAKER

Any hon. Member who puts down a question takes full responsibility for any statements contained in the question.

Sir F. HALL

I take full responsibility.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

My attention has been called to the marking of certain Russian matches. I understand that the Customs are insisting on a more conspicuous indication of origin. I will circulate in the OVFICIAL REPORT a table giving the figures asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these Russian matches are packed in boxes which have a portrait of John Bull on them, with the name "John Bull" as the brand of the match?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

One particular matchbox which I saw had a thistle upon it. The very fact that matches are sold adorned by such patriotic British emblems indicating British origin shows that they require a corrective mark.

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that any of the matches sold in Wales are not sold with the mark of the leek upon them?

Mr. JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the particular box of matches which I did see, and which had

STATEMENT showing the TOTAL QUANTITIES and DECLARED VALUES of MATCHES imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland and registered as consigned from Russia (U.S.S.E.) during each of the years 1924 to 1927.

Period. Quantities. Declared Values.
Safety Matches. Other Sorts. Safety Matches. Other Sorts.
10,000 Matches. 10,000 Matches. £ £
1924 … 2,346 54 369 16
1925 … 324 — 35 —
1926 … 2,592 — 320 —
1927 (1st Jan. to 11th April) … 93 — 12 —
Gross containers. Gross containers.
1927 (12th April to 31st Dec.) … 355,360 1,500 26,189 125

Note.—The figures for 1927 are provisional.

From 12th April, 1927, the unit of quantity by which the imports of Matches were recorded by the Customs Authorities was changed from that of "10,000 matches" to one of "1,000 containers" (for containers in which there were not more than 20 matches) and of "gross containers" (for containers in which there were more than 20 matches). No imports registered as consigned from Russia during the period 12th April to 31st December, 1927, were recorded by "1,000 containers."