§ 10. Mr. Doddsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many cotton shirts have been imported this year up to the latest convenient date; and what were the comparable figures for 1951 and 1955.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftIn the first five months of 1956, 4.5 million men's and boys' woven shirts of all materials were imported, compared with 1.0 million and 2.5 million in the corresponding periods of 1951 and 1955, respectively. Cotton shirts are not separately distinguished in the trade returns.
§ Mr. DoddsEven though we have a very good trade balance with Hong King, is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that some concern exists about the greatly increased importation of cotton shirts? Will he at least say whether he is satisfied with the situation?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftSo far as we can judge from the figures, which is difficult when we do not have the precise details available, it looks as though these imports represent less than 5 per cent. of the United Kingdom production. Although there may be some concern about the matter, I cannot regard these as conditions in which I should take some action which was inconsistent with our commercial policy.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonWill my right hon. Friend take this opportunity of informing the British public that neither these cotton shirts nor the rubber boots referred to in an earlier Question compare at all well with similar products produced by British manufacturers in this country?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIt is not for me to express an opinion as between different manufacturers, but there is no doubt that Lancashire produces goods of very great quality, and that they are commanding the overwhelming majority of the home market today.
§ Mr. BottomleyCan the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why this substantial increase in imports of these cotton shirts has occurred between 1951 and today?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftBecause more people wish to buy them.