§ 23. Colonel GOODMANasked the President of the Board of Trade what are 171 the percentages of Empire content now in operation in this country, and the main classes of imports which are affected?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANUnder the regulations at present in force, goods manufactured in and consigned from a part of the Empire, with the exception of sugar, tobacco, optical glass and optical elements, must contain a minimum of 25 per cent. of Empire material and labour in order to qualify for Imperial preference. In the case of optical glass and optical elements, the required proportion is 75 per cent., while sugar and tobacco are subject to special provisions. Regulations recently made, which come into force on the 1st April next, will require an Empire content of 50 per cent. in respect of the main classes of manufactured goods, with the exception of textiles, chemicals, leather and paper.
§ Colonel GOODMANIs this the right hon. Gentleman's idea of an approach to uniformity of standard?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is as near as you can get thereto.