GERMANY. (Hansard, 21 June 1938)

§ 15. Mr. Mander
asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to assist British exporters, in view of the serious competition and loss of trade they are meeting with in overseas markets from German subsidised exports, particularly affecting Wolverhampton metal products?

Mr. Stanley
The action which it may be possible to take to help British exporters in overseas markets varies according to the circumstances of the case. I have received representations from the makers of edge tools and hand tools in Wolverhampton in regard to the difficulties which they are experiencing in overseas markets, and I am considering whether there is any assistance I can give in the matter.

§ Mr. Mander
Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon he hopes to be able to make a statement on the subject?

Mr. Stanley
No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot.

§ 16. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any evidence as to the German motor-cars that are being sold in this country at abnormally low prices; and what action he proposes to take to prevent unemployment being caused here in order that Germany may obtain English currency to assist in financing her rearmament programme?

Mr. Stanley
As the hon. and gallant Member will have seen from the Resolution which has been put down by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, it is now proposed to bring the McKenna duties, including the duties on motor cars, within the scope of the Import Duties Act. If these proposals are approved and the necessary changes made in the law, it will then be open to the United Kingdom interests concerned to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee if they consider that there is a case for increased protection.

§ Mr. Levy
Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to bring to the consideration of the Exchequer the fact that there are other commodities which are suffering the same disability, and which we hope will have the same consideration?

§ Mr. Cartland
Would my right hon. Friend consider asking the Import Duties Advisory Committee to look specifically into the question of these imports and report to the House?

Mr. Stanley
No, Sir; I think there is no reason why the motor car industry should not follow the ordinary procedure and, if they think they can make a case, make it before the Import Duties Advisory Committee, like every other industry.