HC Deb 27 February 1935 vol 298 cc1121-3
55. Mr. ISAAC FOOT

asked the President of the Board of Trade what information he can give as to the new restrictions placed by the Italian Government upon the import of pilchards into that country; and whether any representations have been made to the Italian Government with reference to this embargo?

Dr. BURGIN

I understand that the quantity of pilchards to be admitted up to 31st March next has been provisionally fixed by the Italian Government at 10 per cent. of the quantities imported during the corresponding period of last year, but the quantity to be admitted in subsequent periods has not yet been announced. I am taking steps to obtain full information as to the operation of the new restrictions on these and other goods, and in the light of this information will consider what action can usefully be taken.

Mr. FOOT

Will the hon Gentleman confer with the President of the Board of Trade as to the seriousness of a reduction to 10 per cent. in a commodity which has always been sent to Italy; and can anything be done to relieve the loss arising from the practical cancellation of foreign contracts and as regards the goods that are now packed for delivery and in transit, since otherwise a very heavy blow will be struck at a distressed industry

Dr. BURGIN

The hon. Member will understand that the Italian decree relates to a very wide range of commodities, and that representations have to be considered and made over a very wide area. He will, however, be interested to learn that all goods which had already left the country of origin by the 19th February will be admitted into Italy without any condition—that is, everything that was actually in transit by the 19th February. Information is being sought from Rome at the present moment as to the effect and operation of this decree, and when the Department is in full possession of that information we shall know better what steps can usefully be taken. The matter is being most energetically pursued, and its seriousness is fully appreciated.

Mr. PALING

Does this decree apply to goods exported from this country particularly; and are we to understand that it has been put into operation without any notification to this country whatever?

Dr. BURGIN

I think the decree applies to imports into Italy generally. It is precisely to points of that sort that our authorities in Rome will have their attention directed.

Mr. de ROTHSCHILD

Does it apply to imports of hosiery?

Dr. BURGIN

I could not, without notice, state the terms of the decree, but I should rather imagine that it did. It is a very wide decree, intended to reduce imports into Italy, and I imagine it will cover every article of which the export to Italy is large.

Mr. LOFTUS

Will the hon. Gentleman consider helping the pilchard industry of Cornwall by restricting the immense imports into this country of tinned pilchards from America?