HC Deb 21 June 1938 vol 337 cc873-4
30. Captain Sir William Brass

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent rapid rise in the imports of cheap Japanese shirts into this country; and, in view of their cheapness, which renders the import duty of very little avail, will he consider introducing a quota system instead of the present tariff system in dealing with certain Japanese imports?

Mr. Stanley

I am aware that there has been some increase in the imports of shirts from Japan. If the British interests concerned consider that there is a case for further protection it is open to them to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee. There is no power to impose a quota restriction on imports of these goods.

Sir W. Brass

Would my right hon. Friend consider suggesting to the Shirt and Collar Manufacturers' Association that they should get in touch, through him, with the Japanese importers, with a view to an agreement?

Mr. Stanley

There have been cases where agreements have been made between the interests in this country and the Japanese importers, and these have worked very well. If there is any possibility of anything being done in this case, I shall be glad to try to assist.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that capitalist interests in this country are buying in cheap goods, quite regardless of the effect on the workers of this country; and does the Minister not realise that the only way to solve this problem is to abolish Capitalism?

Mr. Stanley

I have seen it stated that co-operative societies are still buying Japanese goods.

31. Sir W. Brass

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused in Lancashire by the imports of cheap Japanese cloth in the grey, finished in this country and re-exported under the British quotas, he will consider having inserted in all future trade agreements in connection with quotas for British cotton goods the words "spun, woven, and finished in England," as signifying an article of British origin instead of the present labour content basis?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir. I will bear my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion in mind.

Sir W. Brass

Is my right hon. Friend aware that goods are imported in the grey marked "Made in Japan," that the mark is cut off when they are sent to the finishers, and that they are then re-exported to other markets, marked "Made in Britain"?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, we have had some complaints of that kind; in fact, in connection with several of the trade agreements we are working to a formula on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

Sir W. Brass

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that re-exportation of these goods has a bad effect on the price of real British goods?

Mr. Tomlinson

In view of the situation in Lancashire, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Cabinet to reconsider their policy of protection, which is not protecting Lancashire at all?

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