HC Deb 27 October 1949 vol 468 cc1498-9
19. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that foreign imports of mats and baskets are having an adverse effect upon employment in workshops for the blind in Wales, and particularly in Newport; and whether he will restrict such imports into this country.

Mr. H. Wilson

No, Sir. The quantity of baskets and mats at present being imported from abroad is well below the pre-war level, and should not be causing undue hardship. The purpose of our import licensing restrictions is to safeguard our balance of payments, and I should not be justified in using them for the protection of a special section of industry.

Mr. Freeman

Is it not a fact that there are certain types of mats and baskets which it is only possible to manufacture in these workshops of the blind; and that a market having been created in this country for such mats and baskets they are now being manufactured abroad to the serious detriment of these workshops, which is causing a great deal of unemployment in Wales?

Mr. Wilson

Naturally, we all feel very deep concern about the effects on the employment in workshops for the blind, and if there is any other way of dealing with the question I should be very glad to consider it; but we cannot consider using for this purpose import restrictions used for the balance of payments.

Mr. Collins

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the very low level of such imports as have been negotiated has been adhered to, and whether there is any present intention to vary those rates?

Mr. Wilson

Not without notice.