HC Deb 12 April 1938 vol 334 cc916-7
40. Sir Granville Gibson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what countries grant subsidies in respect of their exports; and which countries have in operation special import restrictions on goods assisted by subsidies?

Captain Wallace

I regret that such information as I have in regard to the first part of this question does not lend itself to compression within the compass of a Parliamentary answer. As regards the second part, measures directed specifically against subsidised imports are in operation in the United States of America and the Union of South Africa; and certain other countries have taken power to take action against such imports.

Sir G. Gibson

Is there any reason why the Government should not take similar steps in cases where countries subsidise imports into this country to such an extent as more than to offset, in many cases, the import duties which were imposed by the Government some time ago?

Captain Wallace

There is a variety of reasons, but I do not think they can be given in a reply to a Parliamentary Question.