§ 38. Mr. GLEDHILLasked the President of the Board of Trade what increase has taken place during the last six months in the imports of Belgian carpets; and to what extent such increase is due to currency devaluation?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe quantity of carpets, carpeting, etc., of wool imported into this country and registered as consigned from Belgium during the six months ended November, 1935, was less than 2 per cent. greater than in the corresponding period of 1934. Imports of jute carpets, carpeting, etc., from Belgium during the same period increased from 3,600 square yards to 18,000 square yards, but the latter represented only 2 per cent. of the total imports of carpets from Belgium. The average value per square yard of the imports of both woollen and jute carpets was, however, higher in the six months ended November, 1935, than a year earlier. It would not, therefore, appear that such increase as has taken place in these imports can be ascribed necessarily to the devaluation of the belga.
§ Mr. HERBERT G. WILLIAMSDoes not my right hon. Friend think the total importation is much too great?
§ Mr. LEVYDoes not my right hon. Friend think the increased importation is detrimental to the textile industry of this country?