§ 39. Mr. GIBSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Dutch Government has imposed retrospective legislation restricting the quantities of certain classes of goods entering Holland; and, in view of the effect this restriction is having on exports from this country, what steps he is prepared to take in the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe new Dutch legislation which imposes quotas upon the imports of certain commodities including clothing, woollens and worsteds, boots and shoes, is only retrospective in the sense that the first period to which quotas relate begins in one case on 1st January and in the others on 1st February, while the decrees were actually issued on 4th February. The question of the effect of the restrictions on United Kingdom trade and of the steps which it may be possible to take are under consideration.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the action of the Dutch Government any connection at all with the Abnormal Importations Act?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANSo far as we know, there is no connection whatever between it and the Abnormal Importations Act.
§ Mr. GIBSONIn view of the fact that clothing manufacturers in the West Riding have large quantities of clothing made specially for that market, and that they cannot now export it, will the right hon. Gentleman press for a modification of this restriction?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe are going into the matter. Perhaps my hon. Friend will have a word with me at the Department about it. He has special knowledge of the subject.