§ 42. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the President of the Board of Trade for what reason it is proposed to reduce the present import duty on gloves, having regard to the fact that all other countries importing gloves have a higher duty than Great Britain or else impose a complete ban on importations; and what reciprocal advantage is being obtained for this proposed reduction.
§ Sir S. CrippsRequests for a reduction in the duty on gloves have been received and are being considered as part of the international trade and tariff negotiations now being held at Geneva. No decision has yet been taken, but any decisions eventually taken on individual items will clearly have to depend on the general balance of advantage to the trade of the country as a whole.
§ 43. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the President of the Board of Trade for what reason it has been decided to permit the importation of foreign gloves for which no reciprocal advantage is obtained, when glove manufacturers in this country are able to make all the 1697 gloves required for the home market if present restrictions on their operation were raised.
§ Sir S. CrippsLimited imports of gloves are being permitted in accordance with the policy regarding imports from countries whose economies have been disrupted by war, described in the statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 21st October last. I am not aware that our glove manufacturers could meet the requirements of the home market if present restrictions were removed.
§ Brigadier PetoWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman take every step to see that glove manufacturers at home are suitably protected against these foreign imports?
§ Sir S. CrippsAt the present time there is no question of the necessity for any protection.