§ Major COURTAULDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much silk was imported into this country during the last financial year for the manufacture of bolting cloth, used by flour millers; whether any silk for this purpose is manufactured in this country; and, if not, whether he will consider admitting this silk free of duty, as is the practice in the United States and Canada?
Mr. GUINNESSAs regards the first part of this question, the official trade records do not distinguish silk imported for the manufacture of bolting cloth from silk imported for other purposes. As regards the second part, I have no official information whether silk bolting cloth is manufactured in this country. As regards the third part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to the hon. Member for the East1094W Toxteth Division of Liverpool (Mr. Jacob) on the 18th June.