§ 14. Mr. Hirstasked the President of the Board of Trade what fresh representations have been made to the United States Government about shipments of wool cloth caught by the closing of the United States tariff quota on 20th May, 1959.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe United States Government are fully aware of our concern 341 about the operation of this quota and we lose no opportunity of reminding them of the present unsatisfactory position.
§ Mr. HirstI thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer, but will he undertake to impress upon the American authorities that many firms dealing particularly in fashion goods in the West Riding and, indeed, in Scotland, meet serious losses from the sudden curtailment of the low tariff, and that the announcement of the tariff made about 23rd April was followed within a month by complete closure on it? This is upsetting the trade enormously. Also, will he impress upon them that their arrangements are operating in favour of Italy and Japan and, therefore, discriminating against us?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have made almost precisely those representations, and I will do so again.