HC Deb 10 February 1931 vol 248 cc196-7
42. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to ascertain whether goods imported into this country are produced under conditions against which the British people cannot compete without lowering their standard of living?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

With regard to the ascertainment of costs of production abroad I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on the 20th January to a question by the hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. Graham White), I would remind him, however, that, the competitive power of British manufacturers in any particular instance depends upon other factors as well as upon wage costs.

Mr. SMITHERS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if his attention has been drawn to some of the sworn statements as to conditions of labour in Russia?

Mr. MILLS

No name or address.