HC Deb 13 August 1919 vol 119 cc1331-2W
Captain BOWYER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Germany has an immense stock of comparatively low-priced cutlery stored in Holland awaiting shipment to Mexico, South America, the United States of America, Spain, and other foreign markets, and that fully 60 per cent. of the goods bear English descriptions, such as Keen, cutlery knives, though but few of the articles show their actual source of origin; is this stock to be dumped into England or is the Government proposing to take it in discharge of part of the indemnity, and, if this is the case, will the Government consult the Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers' Association, which represents the cutlery industry as a whole, as regards the disposal of this stock, and thus avert the injury which would be done to the Sheffield trades through its reckless put-chase or sale throughout the world?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I have no knowledge of the facts alleged in the first part of the question; in regard to the second part, I would point out that the cutlery could not be imported into this country without a licence, which would not be issued; and the third part, therefore, does not arise.