Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the opinion is generally held in business circles that the delay in carrying out the trade policy of the Government outlined by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on 18th August, 1919, and re-stated in the memorandum issued on 20th August, 1919, is largely responsible for the serious depression at present existing in the lace, embroidery, hosiery, and glove fabric trades, and other industries; that goods of German manufacture are being imported and sold at prices below the cost of production in this country, and large orders for future deliveries are, in consequence, being placed with German manufacturers in preference to British manufacturers; and whether, in these circumstances, His Majesty's Government will redeem, without further delay, the pledges given in Clauses 13, 14, and 15 of the memorandum above referred to, and thus prevent irreparable injury to British trade?
§ Sir R. HORNEI can only repeat what I have already on several occasions stated in this House, that I am fully aware of the position in the trades named by my hon. Friend, and, as regards the last part of his question, I would refer him to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck) on 17th November, a copy of which I am sending to him.