HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 c1189
40. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to maintain and develop the important export trade in linen from Northern Ireland?

Mr. Stanley

I am anxious that this trade should be maintained and the matter is receiving active consideration in consultation with the Government of Northern Ireland. A meeting of representatives of the Irish linen trade and the interested Departments took place last week under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both the trade unionists and the employers have practically resigned from the committee owing to the fact that nothing is being done to preserve this trade?

Mr. Stanley

I do not know to what committee the hon. Member is referring, but the people who came over to see my right hon. Friend were glad of the chance of a discussion and the help we promised to give them in getting the raw material for the industry.

Mr. Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that they were not only glad, but satisfied?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, I think very satisfied.