§ 39. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the large increase in the imports of mats and matting from India; and whether, with a view to preventing the extinction of the British coir mat and matting industry, he will introduce legislation prohibiting the import of Indian mats and matting?
§ Captain WallaceI am aware that there has been an increase in the imports of coir mats and matting from India. The matter is being borne in mind in the trade negotiations with India, but my right hon. Friend is not prepared to introduce legislation prohibiting the import of these goods.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill my right hon. and gallant Friend see that at any rate this industry has adequate protection, in view of the fact that the Indian workers do not get nearly the same wages as the British?