§ 8. Mr. Prydeasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the serious situation existing in the carpet-weaving trade in Midlothian; and what steps he intends to take to assist in relieving unemployment.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe Midlothian carpet weaving industry, in common with the trade generally in the United Kingdom, has been recently affected by some falling off in both home and export demand. My Department is giving assistance in finding additional overseas outlets for Midlothian carpets.
§ Mr. PrydeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trouble in Midlothian has been ascribed to the Government's fiscal policy?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftWith regard to the Government's fiscal policy, I believe that an application has beensubmitted—upon which I would not, of course, comment—by the carpet industry for some alteration in the tariff, and this is being considered through the ordinary machinery.
§ Mr. NabarroAs similar conditions exist in the Kidderminster area, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that during the last few months there has been a substantial improvement in home demand for carpets, which is actually running at a higher level than in the previous year, and that the major factor in short-time working in both Midlothian and Kidderminster is Australia's stringent restrictions upon the importation of carpets?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI am well aware that the restrictions in Australia are an important factor in the matter.