§ 56. Mr. McLean Watsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the continual increase in the quantity of rubber footwear imported into this country from Hong Kong; and whether he proposes to take any steps to see that manufacturers in this country get an opportunity of competing for the home trade on fair terms?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware of the further increase in these imports. The Import Duties Act provides for free entry under that Act of goods from the Colonies, but the possibility of regulating supplies on a voluntary basis is at present under discussion between the industries in the parts of the Empire concerned.
§ Mr. WatsonWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to have the inquiries completed?
§ Mr. StanleyI cannot say, but they are going on at the moment.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsHave not representations on this matter been made steadily for several years past?
§ Mr. StanleyYes, and the negotiations are the result of them.
§ Miss HorsbrughHas my right hon. Friend noted that those who previously opposed the regulation of imports from the East are now in favour of it, and will he press on with the work?