HC Deb 03 February 1949 vol 460 cc1815-6
15. Mr. Drayson

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he has allowed foreign textiles to be imported into Denmark within the British quota under the 1949 Anglo-Danish Trade Agreement.

Mr. H. Wilson

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the fact that the Danish authorities are stated to be using a very small portion of their sterling resources for the purchase in the United Kingdom of textiles of foreign origin. I am considering whether anything can be done to safeguard the interests of United Kingdom manufacturers.

Mr. Drayson

Is the Minister aware that the wool and textile industry is extremely concerned about this situation, and will the Minister use all efforts to see that foreigners are not able to send in goods under British quotas?

Mr. Wilson

I am sure the hon. Member would be the last person who would want to interfere with any development of the entrepôt trade in this country, and I am sure he will realise the difficulties involved for the woollen manufacturers if they have to have their goods stamped with the country of origin.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that a certain amount of cloth of an inferior quality, which was made abroad, is going into Denmark stamped as made in Britain, and doing great harm to the reputation of Yorkshire?

Mr. Wilson

If any cloth is being sent in under false colours, I shall be glad to have the particulars so that I can go into the matter.