13. Captain HERBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the complete embargo placed on the importation of clothing into France on the ground that not only the quota for the first three months of the year is exhausted, but also the quota intended for the ensuing three months; whether he is aware that this exhaustion has been caused by imports of ready-made clothing and underwear and that clothing made to order, which can only be sent as ordered, has been shut out, to the injury of the trade concerned; and whether he will endeavour to obtain from the French authorities the grant of a special quota for clothing made to order?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the position as stated in the first part of the question, and my attention has been drawn to the suggestion that this is due to imports of ready-made clothing, though statistical data to confirm this are lacking. Representations regarding the closing down of the quota are being made to the French authorities. The question of possible ways of meeting the requirements of the made-to-order trade is under consideration by the Board of Trade in consultation with those concerned.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIn view of the numerous discriminations by the French against our trade, will the right hon. Gentleman use the powers conferred on him by the Import Duties Act, having regard to the fact that there is no mostfavoured-nation Treaty between this country and France?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe shall use those powers as far as they are likely to be of advantage to our own trade.
§ 14. Captain NORTHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the French tariff changes increasing duties on certain British goods affect such goods irrespective of the countries of origin, or whether they have any specialised significance as far as this country is concerned?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. Member will let me know what tariff changes he has in mind, I will make the necessary inquiries.