§ Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the prohibition of the import of embroidery has been cancelled to the extent that Swiss embroidery may be imported if on order previously to 23rd February, which will amount to a nine months' supply, more or less; and, if so, whether the results to British commerce have been duly considered, British manufacturers on the announcement of prohibition having spent freely on preparations to take over the trade?
Mr. ROBERTSHis Majesty's Government are prepared to allow the import of Swiss embroidery executed on British cotton cloth exported to Switzerland subject to guarantees which are now under discussion. I do not think that British manufacturers will be greatly prejudiced by this arrangement. The results to British commerce have been fully considered, and I have no doubt that on balance the concession is substantially to the advantage of British export trade as a whole.