§ 22. Captain DOWERasked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the latest information in his possession with regard to the effect on the hat trade of the existing import duty, and the efforts made to promote such British exports, especially to Scandinavian countries?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe existing import duties on hats have been in force since the 27th June, 1933. Since the introduction of these duties the percentage of unemployment in the industry has fallen to 10.7 per cent. as on the 25th September last compared with 12.7 per cent. a month previously, 14.3 per cent. in September, 1932, and 17.3 per cent. in September, 1931. Since the Ottawa Conference various reductions have been made in the duties on hats imported into Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland and India from the United Kingdom. As regards the Scandinavian countries, a tariff concession of benefit to the more expensive types of felt hats was obtained under the Danish Agreement. Particulars of the imports and exports of hats are published monthly in the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation."