§ 26 and 27. Mr. Simmonsasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what action he proposes to deal with the loss of trade now being experienced by the hollow-ware industry;
(2) if he will make representations in regard to subsidised dumping of hollowware products by Eastern European countries and Western Germany in Nigeria and the Gold Coast, in the interests of the British export trade.
§ Mr. LowThe value of exports of domestic hollow-ware during the first four months of this year is 19 per cent. below the value of similar exports in the same period last year. This is mainly due to reductions in our exports to African territories which have been affected by a marked intensification of competition. The hollow-ware industry has made representations to the Board of Trade about this matter, but the evidence of dumping so far provided has not been conclusive. The services of the Board of Trade are always available to help in finding and developing additional markets overseas.
§ Mr. SimmonsIs the Minister aware that I have sent him figures which lead one to suppose that some form or organised dumping is going on? Will he further pursue his inquiries into that matter?