§ 26. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade in quantity and value, the imports of wrought enamelled hollow-ware for domestic purposes into Great Britain and Northern Ireland from Germany in the years 1930, 1931, and 1932; and to what extent similar articles can now be produced in this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe total imports of iron and steel wrought enamelled hollow-ware consigned from Germany, practically the whole of which was for domestic purposes, amounted to 3,129 tons in 1930, 2,396 tons in 1931, and 471 tons in 1932, of a declared value of £162,000, £111,000 and £26,000, respectively. The production in 1930 of wrought enamelled hollow-ware for domestic purposes was about 16,400 tons. No later information is available.
§ Mr. HANNONIn view of the figures the right hon. Gentleman has quoted, is he not impressed with the extent to which the protection has helped the industry? Why interfere with the tariff? May I respectfully ask him whether all these facts were taken into consideration before the Anglo-German agreement was completed?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir.
§ Mr. MARTINDid the right hon. Gentleman consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regard to the heavy oils which are such a necessary part of this industry?