Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is considering the propriety of accelerating the improvement which is reported to him to have manifested itself in the Nottingham lace trade by bringing about a representation to the French Government that the decree imposing heavy additional duties on the importation into France of lace and nets seriously retards the recovery of the staple trade of the Eastern Midlands?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend does not think that any useful purpose would be served by representations to the French Government on this matter.