HC Deb 07 March 1933 vol 275 cc979-80
27. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the volume and value of rubber boots and shoes imported into this country from Japan in the years 1931 and 1932, respectively; what is the average price, including the duty for children's and misses'

The following table shows the total quantity and declared value of the imports of rubber boots and shoes consigned from Japan during 1931 and 1932. I am unable to state the average value of children's and misses' wellingtons on importation into the United Kingdom or the cost of production in this country of corresponding goods, as these articles are not separately distinguished in the trade or production returns.
Imports of rubber boots, and shoes into the United Kingdom consigned from Japan (including Formosa and Japanese leased territories in China). 1931. 1932.
Quantity. Declared Value. Quantity. Declared. Value
Doz. pairs. £ Doz. pairs. £
Boots 68,447 95,320 170,405 145,657
Shoes:
Bathing shoes and sandals and the like 167,014 103,411 20,289 10,887
Goloshes and overshoes of all descriptions. 7,225
4,991
Sports shoes, plimsolls and shoes of like character. 318,051 176,074
Note.—The figures for 1932 are provisional.

wellingtons at English ports, and the corresponding cost of production of similar articles by British rubber-shoe manufacturers; and if he will take measures to safeguard the interests of British manufacturers and their workpeople equal to the difference of the cost of production in this country and Japan?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving such of the information as is available. As regards the last part of the question, my hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the action taken in accordance with the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, dated 23rd September, 1932, containing certain recommendations regarding the duty on rubber footwear.

Mr. HANNON

May we have an assurance that, in the case of competition of this kind where the costs of production are so far below those in this country, the Board of Trade will carefully watch it and take steps at the appropriate moment to prevent unfair dealing

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If the hon. Gentleman will refresh his memory as to the report made by the Advisory Committee, he will find that they said that, if abnormal competitive conditions continued, they would be prepared to reconsider the matter.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is not part of these goods in payment for the munitions that we are sending?

Following is the statement: