HC Deb 20 February 1934 vol 286 cc163-4
14. Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Kidderminster Chamber of Commerce at a recent meeting, sending for his urgent consideration its protest against the quota restrictions on the imports of carpets by the Governments of Denmark and the Netherlands; and what action it is proposed to take in the matter?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir. The matter has been taken up with the Governments of Denmark and the Netherlands.

Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman now agree that the reply that he gave a week ago that the manufacturers were entirely satisfied was based upon inaccurate information?

21. Lieut.-Colonel Sir MERVYN MANNINGHAM-BULLER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the severe restriction imposed by the Danish Government on the importation of British boots; and whether he will endeavour to secure the same facilities for the imports of boots as those granted to other manufactured goods entering Denmark?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware that the licences allocated to the trade of this country have been reduced in the first period of this year compared with the same period last year. Representations on the matter are being made to the Danish Government and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the interests of the boot and shoe industry will not be overlooked.

23. Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Swiss Government have now fixed the quota for the imports of carpets from this country at 20 tons; how this compares with the quotas fixed by Switzerland for German and Oriental carpet imports; and what action the Government intend to take to secure a reasonable opportunity in the Swiss market for the carpet manufacturers of this country?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The quota for carpets admitted into Switzerland at the normal rate of duty is understood to be based on actual imports in 1931 when the imports from the United Kingdom were 20 tons. I have no official information as to the quotas fixed for other countries but I have no reason to think that the Swiss Government have discriminated in any way against the United Kingdom. Enquiries are, however, being made as to the possibility of securing facilities for larger imports from this country.