§ 1. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the drop in arrivals of raw cotton and wool, measured by bulk as well as value, during the first six months of the present year much exceeds the drop in the inflow of goods manufactured from the same materials, he can state the countries which are thus increasing their import of the manufactured goods mentioned?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)During the first half of the current year, the total value of the manufactured articles of cotton and wool imported into this country has fallen in comparison with the imports of the corresponding period of last year. Imports of certain descriptions of goods have, however, increased in quantity, and, taking together all classes of cotton manufactures, including hosiery but excluding made-up garments, the quantities are estimated to have increased on the average by somewhat over 10 per cent., while in the case of manufactures of wool, a similar calculation shows a decrease of quantities of about 3 per cent. I am having particulars extracted regarding the principal countries from which the more important classes of manufactures of cotton and wool have been consigned in increased quantities, and will forward them to the hon. Member as soon as they are available.
§ Mr. SMITHDo not these figures show that some form of Protection is absolutely necessary for these industries?