§ 31. Mr. ALAN TODD (for Sir JOHN WARD LAW-MILNE)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the imports of carpets from Belgium for the 10 months ended 31st October have increased by about 60 per cent. since 1932 and now amount to 1,359,000 square yards; and whether he will consider the possibility of negotiating a reciprocal agreement with that country to deal with these increasing imports, which are restricting employment in the carpet trade here?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am aware of the figures referred to, but would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Croydon, South (Mr. H. Williams) on 26th November. I would also point out that in the early months of 1932 imports were exceptionally low on account of the imposition of a duty of 50 per cent. ad valorem under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act. I do not think that negotiations for the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind would be likely to achieve useful results.
§ Mr. PERKINSDoes not my hon. and gallant Friend consider that the correct way of dealing with this large increase of foreign imports is to increase the duty on those imports; and can he say whether there has been any move in that direction by the Department?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThat is a matter for the Import Duties Advisory Committee.