HC Deb 26 April 1939 vol 346 cc1130-1
34. Sir Nairne Stewart Sandeman

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken to prevent the importation of goods into Nigeria in excess of the quotas allowed to the country of origin?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Importations into Nigeria of regulated textiles in excess of the quota are, save in exceptional circumstances, prohibited by the Importation of Textiles (Quotas) Ordinance, 1934. Persons who knowingly import regulated textiles contrary to the provisions of that Ordinance are liable to penalties under Section 12.

Sir N. Stewart Sandeman

Have any penalties been imposed and is it a fact that Italian goods are going in under the name of Swiss and even Albanian goods?

Mr. MacDonald

As to the first part of the supplementary, I should require notice in order to give an answer. As to the second part, I am aware of certain allegations to that effect, and the matter is now being inquired into.

Mr. Fleming

Is it not a fact that now that the Italians have occupied Albania they will be entitled in their view to export Albanian goods under the style of Italian goods to our Colonies?

Mr. MacDonald

That is a matter into which we are now inquiring.