HC Deb 17 December 1928 vol 223 c2630W
Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the present condition of the latch-needle industry, he will consider the question referred to, in the Safeguarding Committee's Report, as to the desirability of increasing the present duty?

Mr. HACKING

The position of the hosiery latch-needle industry is being closely watched, but I can hold out no hope that any alteration of the present rate of import duty will be proposed in the near future.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that hosiery latch needles are sent into Canada in a partly manufactured state and at a later stage are shipped as Canadian needles to this country; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. HACKING

It has been stated that the hosiery latch needles imported from Canada are partly manufactured in the United States, and His Majesty's Customs -are making further inquiries into the eligibility of these needles for Imperial Preference.