§ 17. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make it his policy to prohibit the import into the United Kingdom of South African produce and products using convict or prison camp labour.
§ Sir G. HoweThe Government would use their powers under the Importation of Foreign Prison-made Goods Act 1897 and the Customs and Excise Act 1952 in appropriate cases.
§ Mr. HuckfieldIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that products particularly emanating from Western Cape and South West Africa, including furs and wines, do not come into this category? If they do, is that not against the GATT? Will he conduct a thorough examination into the question whether such products are coming into this country? If they are, will he use his powers accordingly?
§ Sir G. HoweI have read certain writings about these matters. The Government are prepared to say that any suggestions of this kind will be closely examined. If the hon. Gentleman has any evidence in relation to particular imports, or can direct our attention to such evidence, I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will arrange for the matter to be investigated.