§ Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the present depressed condition of the fabric glove industry at Leicester, Derby and Leamington; whether he is aware that the Canadian market has offered a consistent outlet for these goods for many years and that, because of the depreciated condition of the franc and the consequent higher competitive power of French manufacturers, French gloves are being offered to Canada below the cost of production in this country; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the welfare of the large numbers of workers engaged in this important industry?
Mr. ALEXANDERYes, Sir, I am acquainted with the condition of this industry. I have received a letter stating that Canadian buyers have declined to place orders here because of the lower prices at which French gloves are being offered, but I have no further information on the subject.
Sir G. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total exports in 1922–23 of cotton gloves to all foreign countries together and to the Commonwealth of Australia; and what was the Australian rate of Imperial Preference thereon?
§ Mr. LUNNIf the House will permit me, I will have the information asked for in this and similar questions circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.