Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Germans have reduced their price of all-over net embroidered with artificial silk delivered carriage paid at Nottingham from 2s. 4d. to 1s. 7d. per yard, while it costs to produce this article in Nottingham 2s. 9d. a yard, and that large orders for the German product are being placed, while 75 per cent. of the embroidery machines in Nottingham are standing idle; and whether legislation dealing with this competition will be introduced at an early date, and the operation of recent and new Acts, putting further burdens upon the already overburdened British manufacturer, will be suspended, to give him and those he employs a chance of recovery?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe facts mentioned by my hon. Friend in the first part of his question have been brought to my notice by the trade. The steps that may be taken to meet the situation created by the importation of low-priced goods in consequence of the exchange positions are under consideration.