§ Mr. E. C. GRENFELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is 716W aware that the quantity of German-made jute goods imported into London for the period December, 1922, to May, 1923, amounted to 4,573,192 square yards, and that the declared value of similar goods imported into Liverpool for the three months April-June, 1923, amounted to £124,266 (equal to approximately 7,500,000 square yards); whether he is aware of the increases this shows on previous figures; and, in view of the effect of such importations on unemployment in Dundee, he will say what steps he is taking to remedy the situation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI am aware that, during the current year, and especially during the June quarter, imports of jute piece goods to this country from Germany have increased considerably. Exports from Germany to other countries have also increased. I observe, however, that the increase of our own exports of jute piece goods during the first half of 1923 over the exports for the corresponding period of 1922 was 18,000,000 square yards, or more than the whole of the imports of such goods from Germany during the half year to June, 1923. I shall be glad to consider any suggestions which my hon. Friend may desire to make.