§ Mr. G. BALFOURasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Board of Import Restrictions has refused a permit for the importation of crude Chicle gum, but continues to permit thousands of cases of manufactured Chicle gum to be imported from the United States of America; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the insufficient supply thus entailed, the largest firm of manufacturers 1195W in Great Britain are discharging their employés; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the restriction should be removed?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe import of Chicle gum is not prohibited. During the currency of the "permit to purchase" system which operated in regard to all goods from the United States and which was introduced at the request of the American Government, gum chicle was for all practical purposes precluded from being shipped. With the abandonment of the system, gum chicle may now be freely imported.