§ 40. Captain DOWERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is an abnormal increase in the importation of felt hat hoods and hats during the last four weeks; whether this increase is due to any foreign Government giving a bounty or subsidy on the export of these articles to this country; and, seeing that this is causing increased unemployment in the hatting industry in this country, will he take steps to protect this industry?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the third part consequently does not arise. I have no information that any foreign Government gives a bounty or subsidy on the exportation of felt hats or hoods to this country.
§ Captain DOWERDoes the hon. Gentleman know that a very considerable amount of imports of foreign felt hats and hoods comes into this country by parcels post, of which there is no record, and that, with regard to unemployment, there are over 10 per cent. of the hatters out of work?