HC Deb 12 June 1956 vol 554 cc222-3
22. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the increase in the importation of radio, radiogram, and television cabinets from Western Germany in 1955, compared with 1954; and whether the quantity has further increased this year.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

These cabinets are not specified in the Trade Returns.

Mr. Sorensen

Is it not a fact that a certain number of these articles or commodities are coming into this country? Would the President say why they are able to compete with production of the same kind of goods in this country, even though there is this 25 per cent. tariff upon them?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am sure that there are some coming in; but there is, I think, a 20 per cent. ad valorem tariff, which seems an adequate protection for the British manufacturer.