§ Colonel GOODMAN(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps it is proposed to take to prevent abnormal importations from Empire countries of goods to which the Import Duties (Imperial Preference) No. 1 Regulations will apply as from 1st April during the period from the publication of the Regulation to its coming into operation?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI see no reason to anticipate any abnormal importation from Empire countries of goods covered by the new Regulations regarding Empire Content which come into force on 1st April next. I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that reasonable notification of Regulations of this character is necessary.
§ Colonel GOODMANWill the right hon. Gentleman, before finally deciding not to take action, inquire into the increased activities of American companies who take full advantage of the period of grace to flood this country with their goods through Canada?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat matter has been inquired into very closely, and we feel that we are in full possession of the facts.
§ Mr. LYONSCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what representations have been made in the last few days by the British manufacturers in the trades affected?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI could not do so without notice.