§ Mr. JESSONasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware 423W that American tyre and rubber footwear manufacturers, while there is apparently no difference between their price lists and those of British manufacturers, are allowing a discount to British buyers of 50 per cent., whereas British manufacturers cannot allow more than from 5 per cent. to 12½ per cent. and pay the rates of wages and observe the hours of labour demanded by the rubber workers in this country;
(2) if he has yet considered the question of re-imposing the 33½ per cent. Duty upon imported tyres and rubber footwear; whether he is aware that since this import duty has been withdrawn foreign tyre manufacturers have swamped the British market and have driven a number of small firms out of existence; that thousands of our rubber workers have already been discharged and that others are under notice; that one large well-known firm alone has already discharged 1,700 hands; and if he can hold out any hope that this unfair competition will be prohibited in the near future?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have no information as to the alleged differences between the discounts given by British and foreign manufacturers, but I shall be glad to consider any definite evidence on the subject which my hon. Friend may be able to furnish. I would point out that the goods in question have not at any recent time been subject to duty upon importation. On the general question involved I am not at present in a position to make any statement, but the whole matter of dumping is receiving the careful consideration of the Government.