HC Deb 15 November 1960 vol 630 cc203-4
39. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish woollen industry regarding the increases in duty proposed by the United States of America; and what action he is taking in the matter.

Mr. Brooman-White

My right hon. Friend has received no representations. As regards the latter part of the Ques- tion, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 10th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Mr. Hirst) by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Hoy

It may be that the manufacturers concerned have not had time to write to the Secretary of State, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men are expressing grave concern about this very large increase in import duties, which can have an extremely harmful effect on the Scottish woollen industry? What steps is the Secretary of State taking jointly with the President of the Board of Trade to make it known to the American authorities how we feel about this matter?

Mr. Brooman-White

As the previous Answer indicated, the new arrangements are an improvement, but we are still not satisfied with them and we hope to have some further negotiations on the subject.