HC Deb 17 May 1933 vol 278 cc351-2
17. Brigadier-General Sir HENRYCROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the fact that large quantities of Soviet cotton goods are being exported to the West Coast of Africa to the disadvantage of British textile industries and contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to Soviet goods; and whether he will take action in the matter?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have recently been in communication with certain West African Governments with regard to the development of Russian competition. The position will be carefully watched in order that the West African Colonies may be prepared to take any action which may be considered desirable in their own interests and the interests of British trade as a whole.

Sir H. CROFT

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the present time large imports of Soviet shirting are going into West Africa, thereby getting behind the general policy of His Majesty's Government; and is it not, therefore, a question of taking immediate action?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think it is a question of the volume of trade and whether it is likely to increase. The matter is fully under the review of the different Governments concerned.

Sir H. CROFT

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a large amount of material, such as I have here to-day, is going into West Africa marked "from the U.S.S.R." Am I to take it that he is really inquiring into this matter with a view to taking instant action if necessary?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am not only inquiring into it, but I had begun to make my inquiries before my hon. and gallant Friend brought his unattractive cloth. The position is being carefully watched.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Ought we not to pass a law making it compulsory that these people should wear full clothes.

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if you stop goods going into these countries they only go into the international markets of the world and enter into competition with our goods?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think it is a complete fallacy that if you stop them entering into one market they necessarily get into another.