HC Deb 15 March 1938 vol 333 c181
2. Mr. McLean Watson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will explain the increase by more than double the quantity of rubber footwear imported into this country from Hong Kong as between January, 1937, and January, 1938; and whether he is satisfied that all this footwear is of Empire production?

Mr. Stanley

Imports of rubber footwear consigned from Hong Kong amounted to 39,978 dozen pairs in January, 1937, and to 76,307 dozen pairs in January, 1938. Imports of these goods are generally heavy in the spring months and the trade may have started earlier than usual this year. All rubber footwear imported from Hong Kong and admitted to Imperial Preference in these months was shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to have been manufactured in the Empire.

Sir Joseph Nall

Does that also apply to cotton fabrics used in the making of some of these shoes?

Mr. Stanley

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.