HC Deb 10 May 1938 vol 335 cc1393-4
12. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the extent of the information in his possession as to the export of fabric gloves from Germany to this country being in any way subsidised?

Mr. Stanley

I have no evidence that exports of fabric gloves from Germany to this country are subsidised. I would add that imports of fabric gloves from Germany have declined considerably in recent years.

13. Mr. Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade the date of the last decision of the Import Duties Advisory Committee with reference to the application of the British fabric glove industry for an increased protective duty; whether, since then, he has received any representations with regard to the importation into this country of subsidised foreign-made fabric gloves; and what action it is now proposed to take for the protection of all interests of this British industry?

Mr. Stanley

An application for an increased duty on fabric gloves was rejected by the Import Duties Advisory Committee in December, 1936, and the rejection was confirmed by the Committee in February, 1937. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply I gave to him on 2nd November. I would add that total imports of fabric gloves in the first three months of this year were substantially less than in the corresponding period of last year.

Mr. Lyons

Would my right hon. Friend consider, in view of the difficulties which this industry is now facing, referring the whole question to the Import Duties Advisory Committee and letting them investigate the conditions and make a report such as they did in the case of the iron and steel industry?

Mr. Stanley

The Import Duties Advisory Committee have considered the application of this industry on two occasions within the last 18 months and have rejected the application for additional duties.

Mr. Lyons

Would my right hon. Friend ask the committee in this special case to tell the industry the reasons for the rejection so that the industry may take such steps as may be available to put itself in a position to make a subsequent application?

Mr. Stanley

I referred in previous answers to one of the reasons for earlier rejections. If the hon. Gentleman will study the figures of the imports of these goods and see how they have fallen steadily over the last four or five years, and fallen even more rapidly in the first few months of this year, he will see that the major part of the problem is not that of increasing competition from abroad.

Sir John Haslam

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the difficulties of the Lancashire fine spinning trade is that these gloves are riot being made and imported to this country? If any inquiry is made, will he see that their interests are taken into consideration?

Mr. Stanley

The Import Duties Advisory Committee on one occasion called particular attention to that and to the effect on the Lancashire cotton industry of any abnormal restriction of imports.