§ 19 and 20. Captain SPENCERasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the imports of glass bottles and jars have risen from 52,805 gross in the first quarter of 1932 to 119,331 gross in the first quarter of 1934; and whether he will state the reason for this increase of over 100 per cent.;
(2) whether he is aware that the imports of domestic and fancy glassware have risen from 20,486 cwts. in the first quarter of 1932 to 84,854 cwts. in the first quarter of 1934; and whether he is in a position to give the reason for this increase of over 300 per cent.?
§ Dr. BURGINI am aware of the facts to which my hon. Friend draws attention. Imports during the first quarter of 1932 were at an unusually low level, doubtless on account of the duty of 50 per cent. ad valorem then in force upon these goods under the Abnormal Importations Act, 1931.
§ Captain SPENCERIn view of the growing anxiety of the workers in this industry, may I impress upon the hon. Gentleman the necessity for speedy action in dealing with applications?
§ Dr. BURGINYes, Sir. An application for an increase of duty is now before the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND - TROYTEDoes not that show that our tariffs ought to be increased?
§ Sir PERCY HARRISAre not these bottles used by fruit bottlers as well as by farmers, and are they anxious not to have their raw materials made dearer?