§ 15. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the number of typewriters imported into this country in 1933 exceeded by 130 per cent. the import of these machines in 1932; if the output of typewriters of British manufacture is still unequal to our requirements in this country; and if any further measures are contemplated to assist the production of typewriters in Great Britain?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware that there was a considerable increase in the number of typewriters imported into this 174 country in 1933 as compared with 1932 and that the output of British manufacturers has increased in recent years. As regards the last part of the question I understand that the industry have already made an application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an increase in the rate of duty.
§ Mr. HANNONWould the right hon. Gentleman give any indication to this House that might encourage the Import Duties Advisory Committee to take action?
§ Mr. LYONSIs it a fact that this consideration has now been going on for some nine, ten or eleven months, and that during the whole of that period this country has been flooded with a foreign typewriter, and no indication of any sort has been given as to any steps to safeguard this important industry of the city of Leicester?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf my hon. Friend has evidence of that, he ought to put it at the disposal of the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. THORNEWhen you are considering the question of import duties, do you consider the social labour which is embodied in every article?