HC Deb 05 April 1938 vol 334 cc176-7
26. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade the comparative figures of the export of British carpets to the United States of America for representative years before and after the War?

Mr. Stanley

The average annual exports of carpets, carpeting and rugs of wool of United Kingdom manufacture consigned to the United States amounted to 135,00o square yards, valued at £57,0oo during the three years 1911 to 1913, and to 49,000 square yards, valued at £24,000 during the three years 1935 to 1937.

27. Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade the imports of Indian carpets into this country in 1930 and 1937, respectively; and whether, in view of the large increase in these imports, proposals for the application of a quota will be placed before those who are negotiating a trade agreement with India?

Mr. Stanley

Imports of carpets, etc., from India amounted to 668,377 square yards valued at £394,347 in 1930 and to 1,803,156 square yards valued at £784,954 in 1937. These facts will not be lost sight of in connection with the negotiations for a new trade agreement with India.

28. Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that British carpets exported to India pay an import duty of 25 per cent., while carpets manufactured in India enter this country free of duty; and whether these facts are being kept prominently before those who are negotiating a trade agreement with India?

Mr. Stanley

The answer is in the affirmative.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Is it not a fact that this prohibitive duty on Kidderminster carpets is a result of the Government of India Act, of which the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) was so eloquent a supporter?

Mr. Stanley

I think this duty was imposed some time before the Government of India Act, but I am not quite certain.