§ Mr. PERKINSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the imports of manufactured goods, excluding vehicles, increased by approximately 25 per cent. during February, 1934, as compared with February, 1933; and what steps he proposes to take?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the figures to which my hon. Friend refers. I cannot, however, accept the implication that the increase to which he draws attention is in general an unfavourable sign. Many of the goods in question undergo further manufacture in this country, and the increases in the imports of such goods which have been recorded in recent months are a gratifying sign of increased trade and industrial activity. It is, of course, open to the interests concerned, if they wish to do so, to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee with a view to increased duties upon goods which compete with the products of industry in this country.