§ Mr. DONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to restrict the importation of foreign embroidered and fancy drawn-thread goods into this country; and if he is aware that the free importation of these goods produced by cheap foreign labour is causing a great amount of unrest, and if not restricted a serious amount of unemployment is bound to ensue?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIn accordance with the recommendations of the Imports Consultative Council, drawn threadwork is at present being freely admitted, but embroidery is restricted to one-half of the imports of the year 1916. In making these recommendations the Council took all the circumstances of the case into account, and I would point out that the policy now in force is only of temporary duration.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNEasked the Food Controller who has the power to remove the existing restrictions of the importations of American whisky; if he is aware that the present Order as it stands is unjust, as it gives a privilege to some who bought and paid for it in 1918, while shutting out others who bought and paid for it in 1919, previous to the issue of the Order in April last; and if he will allow purchases made and paid for before the issue of the Order to be imported as shipping facilities offer?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply to this question. The control over imports rests with the Board of Trade, who arc acting in this matter on the advice given, by the Imports Consultative Council, of which the hon. Gentleman was a member. I do not think it would be expedient to extend the concession as suggested. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him on 5th May by my right hon. Friend.