§ 17. Captain DOWERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the quantity of hats and caps of wool felt imported into this country during the first quarter of this year rose from 66,812 dozens to 161,424 dozens; and whether, in view of the embarrassment this increase has caused to the British hat industry, he will consider the advisability of adopting emergency means to deal with the matter?
§ Dr. BURGINI am aware of the increase in the imports of hats, caps and other headgear of wool felt. The duties payable on these goods were increased less than a year ago on the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and the question of any further increase is a matter for that Committee in the first instance.
§ Captain DOWERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these goods are coming from Czechoslovakia, which has recently revalued its currency, and will he say how we are to take action to safeguard ourselves?