HC Deb 22 February 1955 vol 537 cc1039-40
6. Mr. Burke

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of cotton textile imports into this country in 1953 and 1954, respectively; and what percentage in each year was due to imports from India.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Imports of cotton textiles from all countries were valued at £28 million in 1954; this compares with £15 million in 1953 and an average of £33 million for the six years from 1948–53. Imports from India were 8 per cent. of the value in 1953 and 25 per cent. of the value in 1954.

Mr. Burke

Does the Minister realise that this means that in 12 months the value of Indian imports has gone up from £1 million to £7 million, that that cannot go on for very much longer, and what is he going to do about it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

What it means is that the imports for 1954 went up above those of 1953 but were lower than the average for 1948–53.

Mr. Burke

But during the last year they have increased very much more proportionately than total imports and India is the main culprit in this matter. What is the right hon. Gentleman doing about it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The hon. Gentleman is quite right in saying that India has been the principal supplier of the increased imports. With regard to action that could be taken, I would refer the hon. Member to the very full statement that I made on a previous occasion.

Mr. H. Wilson

The President knows perfectly well that in the earlier period we were only too glad to get the cotton because Lancashire could not supply it and it was needed for re-export. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while we on this side of the House would not wish to invoke protectionism on behalf of Lancashire against fair trade and fair imports coming into this country, this trade is particularly unfair because the Indian manufacturers get their raw cotton at prices about 1Od. or 1s. cheaper than our manufacturers do, and even if our weavers worked for no wages at all we could not meet this competition? Therefore, what will the right hon. Gentleman do about it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am quite aware of the arguments raised on this matter. The right hon. Gentleman must realise that they go very wide. Raw materials in this country are on occasion supplied to manufacturers below world prices. On the general question of action to be taken, I have nothing at this stage to add to what I have said on previous occasions.