§ 21. Sir J. Barlowasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that United Kingdom cotton yarn attracts a duty of 33⅓ per cent. on entry into Eire, he will take stops to impose a duty on cotton yarn entering the United Kingdom from Eire.
§ Mr. ErrollNo, Sir This would be in breach of the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreements of 1938 and 1948.
§ Sir J. BarlowIs my right hon. Friend aware that that answer is very unsatisfactory in that there is great injustice when those goods come here free whereas we have to pay a duty of 33⅓ per cent.? Can he give any evidence that Irish goods coming into this country are subsidised?
§ Mr. ErrollI have no evidence other than the representations made by the British Spinners and Doubters Association made on 23rd May which I am urgently examining. In the meantime I have also been in touch with the Irish authorities on this question.