16. Major HERBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, while 226 tons of typewriters were imported in the first six months of 1933, 397 tons were imported in the first six months of 1934, an increase of 171 tons or 75.7 per cent.; and the source from which these machines are being imported and the reason for the increase?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the increase in imports to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. 95 per cent. by weight of the imports in the last six months were derived from the United States. It may be that the increase is due in part to imports in anticipation of the increased duties which took effect on the 4th May.
17. Major HERBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the number of clocks imported during the first six months of 1934 is larger by 377,374, or 32.7 per cent., and of clock movements by 207,783, or 49.6 per cent., than in the first six months of 1933; whether he will state the source from which these articles were imported; and whether any estimate has been formed of the effect upon the British industry?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the figures referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. The main source of these imports is Germany, less important suppliers being France, Switzerland, Italy and the United States. With regard to the last part of the question I notice that one of the principal United Kingdom clock makers has recently announced that it has been necessary to increase plant to cope with the demand.
§ 18. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of typewriters in the six months ended 30th June, 1934, were seven and a-half times as great in quantity and five times as great in. value as in the corresponding period of 1932; and when he proposes to deal with dumping due to deliberate currency depreciation?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the increased imports of typewriters, on which increased duties were imposed as lately as the 4th May last. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply I gave on 10th July to the hon. Member for Willesden, East (Mr. D. G. Somerville).
§ Mr. WISEMay I ask if these typewriters are imported as parts of typewriters or as complete typewriters?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI must have notice of that question.
§ 14. Mr. PETHERICK (for Mrs. COPELAND)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in respect of hardware, tiles, and motor cars the volume of imports in the first half of this year is in each case more than double that in the first half of 1933; and whether he will make inquiries as to the effect of those imports on employment in the industries concerned?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the increased imports to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Smethwick (Mr. Wise).
§ 15. Mr. PETHERICK (for Mrs. COPELAND)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of builders' woodwork have increased from £352,937 in the first six months of 1933 to £630,987 in the first six months of 1934, an increase of £278,050, or 78.8 per cent.; whether he will state what is the chief item in the increase in those imports and the source from which it comes; and whether he can ascertain the reason for this increase?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe main item in the increase to which my hon. Friend refers appears to be the increase in the imports of doors from the United States, Sweden and Canada. I presume that this in- crease is due to activity in the building trade.
§ 19. Mr. MITCHESONasked the President of the Board of Trade how the volume of retained imports of manufactured goods during the first six months of the present year compares with the same half of last year?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANFull information on this subject will be published in the Board of Trade Journal on Thursday next, in the usual quarterly article on "Volume and Value of Overseas Trade."