§ 34. Mr. PERKINSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the retained imports of carpets for the first two months of 1934, as compared with a similar period for 1933, have increased from 364,013 square yards to 628,690 square yards; and what action it is proposed to take in the interests of this branch of home industry?
§ Dr. BURGINI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 17th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Islington, North (Colonel Goodman).
§ Mr. PERKINSIs my hon. Friend satisfied that it would be impossible to produce these carpets in this country?
§ Dr. BURGINWell, I am satisfied that these imports come to us because somebody thinks it is worth while to buy them. As far as I know, the larger percentage of these carpets come from India.
§ Mr. PERKINSBut could they not be produced in this country?
§ Mr. PIKEWill the hon. Gentleman say whether the future policy of the Government will be based on the original sentence of his reply?