§ 25. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds he has declined to permit the re-importation by Messrs. Robert Farnworth, Limited, of Bolton, of a quantity of artificial silk yarn sent to Italy for special processing before sanctions had come into operation?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe only dispensing power possessed by the Board of Trade in respect of the prohibition of importation of Italian goods is that conferred by Article 1 of the Treaty of Peace (Covenant of the League of Nations) No. 2 Order, 1935. This Article provides that the Board of Trade may authorise by licence the importation of any goods consigned from or grown, produced or manufactured in Italian territory if they are satisfied that the price of the goods was wholly paid on or before 10th October, 1935. In the case referred to by my hon. Friend, a payment to a concern in Italy is outstanding in respect of the processing carried out there and there are, therefore, no grounds on which a Board of Trade licence to import the goods could be issued.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman give a permit to allow them to import a quantity of goods equal to the value of the goods which they themselves sent? Is not this a sanction against Bolton and not against Italy?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf a suggestion of that kind is put forward, I shall be pleased to examine it.