Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to preventing the unnecessary use of shipping space and the importation of unnecessary manufactured goods, he will take steps to restrict, during the war, the importation of carpets into this country; and what quantity have been imported from India since the commencement of the war?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe importation of wool carpets, except under licence, has been prohibited since 5th September, 1939, and no licences are being issued for importation from any foreign country except France. An open general licence has been issued permitting the importation of wool carpets from British countries. The total value of the carpets imported from India under this licence, up to 17th February, amounted to £32,569. As at present advised, my right hon. Friend sees no need to place any restriction on imports of Indian carpets.