§ 93. Mr. Robert Howarthasked the President of the Board of Trade why imports of Portuguese cotton cloth are greater in the first nine months of this year than in the corresponding period of 1966 despite the undertakings given by Portugal earlier this year.
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§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe published trade returns include cloth for processing and re-export. Retained imports of cotton cloth from Portugal, in the six months ended 30th September, 1967, were in fact lower than in the six months ending 30th September, 1966.
§ 94. Mr. Robert Howarthasked the President. of the Board of Trade if he is aware that some cloth and made-up textiles imported from Portugal are actually from Macao, the Portuguese colony near Hong Kong but not labelled accordingly; and if he will take steps to ensure the full disclosure of the origin of all imported textiles.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuI have been unable to find evidence in support of this allegation. If my hon. Friend has any, I shall be glad to examine it.
As far as dislosure of origin is concerned, H M. Customs already require declarations for all imported goods.