§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the duty recently imposed by the Swiss Government upon imports of British carpets will have the effect of doubling their price and entirely stopping the sale of these carpets to Switzerland; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI presume my hon. Friend refers to the restriction on the quantity of carpets which may be imported into Switzerland at the normal rate of duty, imports ill excess of the quota being subject to a much larger duty. This restriction has been in force during the past 18 months, but was not applied to United Kingdom goods until September of this year. The quota is based on imports into Switzerland during 1931. The United Kingdom share for 1933, which is 204 quintals, had already been exceeded when the restriction was applied to this country. An additional 745W quantity of 100 quintals of carpets previously ordered has been admitted, however, at the normal duty.