HC Deb 09 December 1931 vol 260 cc1852-3
42. Captain ELLISTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of paper imports at the port of Bristol during last October and the first fortnight of November as compared with the corresponding period in 1930?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

During the month of October, 1931, the total imports of paper and cardboard into the United Kingdom entered at the port of Bristol (including Avonmouth, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare) amounted to 70,004 cwts., of a declared value of £55,768, compared with 97,055 cwts., valued at £76,247 during October, 1930. No later information is at present available.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the hon. Member able to say what percentage of this is for newspapers? Is not the greater part used for newspapers?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The greater part of this is wrapping paper.

43. Duchess of ATHOLL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the quantities of machine-made tools entering this country and the opportunities the production of such tools gives for the employment of skilled and other labour, he will consider including these tools in any further lists he may issue under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act?

46. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the abnormal imports in the cordage, cables, ropes, and twine of hemp trades; and what action he proposes to take?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I will answer these questions together and refer to the reply given on the 25th November to the hon. Members for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto), Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) and South-East Leeds (Major Milner).

50. Mr. T. COOK

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the osier growers and basket makers of Norfolk are finding it difficult to compete with importations from France, Belgium, and Germany, resulting in unemployment; and whether, having regard to this fact, he will consider some form of protection for this section of British industry?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA.

The only powers my right hon. Friend has to impose duties are those under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, and in this regard I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 25th November to the hon. Members for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto), Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) and South-East Leeds (Major Milner).