§ 30. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the imports of women's dresses from America rose from 207,000 in 1937 to 456,000 in 1938; and whether it is proposed that any steps should be taken, by limitation or prohibition of imports, to safeguard British interests against this rapidly increasing competition?
§ Mr. StanleyImports from the United States of America of women's dresses and skirts of silk and artificial silk were as stated by my hon. Friend. I have no power to impose a quota restriction or prohibition on imports of such goods.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the reasons there are so many imports of ladies' dresses from America is that women on this side are concerned with having longer dresses to cover their scrimpy legs?
§ Mr. StanleyI would not attempt to speak with the same authority as the hon. Member on the perfections or imperfections of the female form, but, if that be so, surely it should not be beyond the; ability of our manufacturers to make longer dresses which would equally well cover scrimpy legs.