HC Deb 04 May 1938 vol 335 cc861-2
38. Mr. Roland Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Japanese firms are importing into the West Indies large quantities of four-yard lengths of printed spun-viscose rayon fabric made up as bedspreads, to which the quota does not apply, and that after importation these bedspreads are unpicked and the resulting cloth-lengths are made up into dress goods; and what steps does he propose to take to prevent the evasion of the general quota restrictions upon Japanese cloth imports into the West Indies, which is having an adverse effect on the Lancashire cotton industry?

44. Major Procter

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to imports into the West Indies of large quantities of printed four-yard lengths of spun-viscose rayon fabric made up as bedspreads, which are then unpicked and the resulting cloth lengths made up into dress goods, and that this type of importation is nullifying the quota restrictions upon Japanese cloth imports into the West Indies and so competing with British cotton prints to the detriment of the cotton industry; and what action he proposes to take?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

I have recently received representations from the Cotton Spinners' and Manufacturers' Association on this subject and I am making inquiries.

Mr. Robinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to take firm action to prevent any evasions of the quota restrictions which may be brought to his notice?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I must have the facts first.

41. Major Procter

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in order to circumvent the quota restriction on cotton piece goods imported into the Malay States, Japanese exporters are sending in cotton shirts with tails several yards long so that, although the shirts are defined as one garment, the tails can be cut off and used as piece goods; and whether steps have now been taken to deal with this evasion of the quota restrictions?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have seen some reports to this effect, and I understand that the local authorities have taken steps to deal with the matter.

Major Procter

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the appropriate department of the Japanese Government in order to prevent a recurrence of this sharp practice?