HC Deb 26 July 1962 vol 663 cc1703-4
6. Mr. Dempsey

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the concern felt by knitwear manufacturers in Scotland at the advantage afforded to knitwear products from Hong Kong; and if he will take steps to improve the trading position of Scottish manufacturers.

Mr. Erroll

I am aware of the concern of the Scottish knitwear firms over the increased imports from Hong Kong. As I told the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) on 17th July, I can hold out no hope of action to restrict these imports.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Minister aware that since he told the hon. Member for Kilmarnock that decision on 17th July one factory in the town of Coatbridge has closed and we have lost 60 jobs in an area that has a high rate of unemployment? Does not the President of the Board of Trade believe, therefore, that the circumstances are reaching a grave stage and that his Department should take action to protect the trade against unfair competition, on the one hand, and to protect the employment position, on the other hand?

Mr. Erroll

British production generally in this field has been rising and the 1961 total production of about £200 million was nearly 4 per cent. greater than in the previous year. I do not think that the closure of this factory, which I naturally regret, should necessarily be linked with the importation of small supplies from Hong Kong.

Sir C. Osborne

In view of the fact that the Hong Kong mills work seven days a week three shifts a day, and in view of the fact that wages there are 10s. a day, which is a very good wage for Hong Kong, what on earth can my right hon. Friend do to protect British workers with such a high rate of return as they get at the present time?

Mr. Erroll

These imports are on a small scale as compared with the British product, which is, of course, much desired by the British public.