§ 50. Mr. C. WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can supply figures showing the quantities and values of fabric used by British fabric-glove makers imported from Germany during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1922; whether the imposition of a duty on glove fabric imported from Saxony will operate to the detriment of the fabric-glove manufacturers in this country; and why, when the latter are endeavouring to secure Government assistance, he is asking Parliament to consent to a duty which will advance the price of raw material to these manufacturers?
§ Mr. BALDWINSeparate particulars relating to glove fabric have not, up to the present, been required to be furnished by importers to the Customs authorities. I am, consequently, unable to supply the information asked for in the first part of the question. With regard to the second and third parts, I have no reason to suppose that the imposition of a duty on glove fabric will operate to the detriment of the fabric glove manufacturers, since the applications in favour of the imposition of a duty on fabric gloves and on glove fabric were put forward jointly by representative associations of the two industries.
Mr. KILEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the claim for a duty was not made on behalf of all the glove makers, but only of some?
§ Mr. BALDWINUnanimity is a very rare thing.