§ 26. Mr. W. GREENWOODasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that over 14,000,000 lbs. of yarn trade is being lost annually by the Lancashire cotton spinners owing to the dumping of motor tyres at below cost price into this country; and if he purposes taking any action?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)I have been asked to reply. I am not aware of the basis on which my hon. Friend has arrived at the figure which he quotes, but it seems, in any case, to be exaggerated. Action can be taken to apply Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act to any class of goods only on complaint made to the Board of Trade, and after full investigation by a committee as provided for by the Act.
§ Mr. GREENWOODIs the hon Gentleman aware that the imports are almost double those of January this year?
Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI cannot say I am aware of that fact. I cannot give the figures. I cannot get anywhere near the 14,000,000 lbs. mentioned in the question.
§ Mr. GREENWOODIS the hon. Gentleman aware that: there are between 9,000 and 10,000 people unemployed in the tyre-making industry at the present time?
Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI cannot state accurately the number of men unemployed, but with regard to any action suggested, the Safeguarding of Industries Act provides the proper remedy.