§ 2. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has received any representations from His Majesty's Government in Canada on the subject of the competition which is being experienced by Canadian manufacturers of rubber footwear from manufacturers of similar goods in British Crown Colonies in the Far East, in particular Hong Kong and Singapore; and whether His Majesty's Government in Canada will be relieved from their obligation under Article 19 of the Ottawa Agreement to continue to give unrestricted admission into Canada of indiarubber boots and shoes manufactured in the Crown Colonies?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)Representations have been received from His Majesty's Government in Canada in regard to the free importation of rubber shoes from Singapore, and the matter is receiving consideration.
§ 18. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that large shipments of rubber footwear are being sent to this country from Singapore and Hong Kong; and whether his Department are considering the danger to British manufacturers which may arise 940 from the development of highly-mechanised manufacturing industries in Crown Colonies in Asia?
§ The PBESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)My attention has been drawn to the imports to which my hon. Friend refers, and careful consideration is being given to the questions to which they give rise.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of amending Section 5 of the Import Duties Act?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI considered that along with a great many other things.