§ 30. Major PROCTERasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the interests of Lancashire unemployed workers, the Government will put an embargo on the export of second-hand textile machinery now lying in empty factories?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe action suggested would be contrary to the International Convention for the Abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions and Restrictions, and to the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty of 1924.
§ Major PROCTERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Germany has put a duty, virtually an embargo, of £400 a ton upon such machinery and so also has Switzerland? Is he further aware that our policy permits our competitors to buy up derelict machinery at scrap-iron prices, and to use it in competition with our cotton manufacturers?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI confined my answer to the question put by my hon. Friend. He asked whether we will put an embargo on the export of second-hand machinery. I have informed him that that is contrary to Treaty. What Germany has done is to put a duty on.
§ Mr. PERKINSMight I ask my hon. Friend whether the Government will also put a duty on?