HC Deb 27 April 1937 vol 323 c149
6. Major Neven-Spence

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount and value of rubber footwear imported during 1936 from Hong Kong and Canada, respectively; and how many persons would have been given direct employment in Great Britain if this footwear had been manufactured here?

Mr. Runciman

During the year 1936, imports into the United Kingdom of rubber footwear consigned from Hong Kong amounted to 294,000 dozen pairs valued at £191,000, and those from Canada amounted to 452,000 dozen pairs valued at 762,000. I am unable to state how many persons would have been given direct employment if this footwear had been manufactured in Great Britain.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Has my right hon. Friend asked those engaged in the manufacture in this country whether they can furnish such an estimate so that we may have some idea of the burden of this competition?

Mr. Runciman

They are quite capable of taking those steps themselves without my intervention.

Mr. Williams

Would it not be useful for us to know as well as for them?

Mr. Runciman

In the first place they can form their own opinion, and then let us know what their view is.

Mr. Shinwell

Do the Ottawa Agreements apply to goods imported from Hong Kong?

Mr. Runciman

I could not say without notice.