§ 11. Sir A. Knoxasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty under which British ribbon manufacturers contend, owing to the competition of German goods which obtain 40 per cent. export premium, and of Japanese goods which are offered at half the price of a British manufacturer's initial cost; and whether, in the interests of the industry, he will prohibit the imports of these goods from those two countries?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware that British ribbon manufacturers experience competition from imports from Germany and Japan, but I would point out that the aggregate of the imports of ribbons from these two countries has not increased in recent years. I have no power to prohibit the imports of these goods.
§ Sir A, KnoxCan the Government do nothing to help these firms, which have very few looms occupied at present?
§ Mr. StanleyIf my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind, I should be glad to have it.