Earl of DALKEITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his statistics show the number of woollen mills in the south of Scotland which were open five years ago and which have now been compelled to close down?
§ Dr. BURGINThe information collected by the Board of Trade in connection with the preparation of an annual survey of industrial development relates to factories which were opened or closed in 1932 and 1933 and during the present year. I am unable to state how many of the factories which were closed during this period were open five years ago.
Earl of DALKEITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that substantial trade debts have been due by German importers to Scottish woollen manufacturers; if payment of them has been arranged in the recent agreement; and whether he has been able also to secure any provision for an increase of import licences?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my Noble Friend to the statement by my right hon. Friend on 1st November on the subject of the Anglo-German Payments Agreement of that date. As regards the last part, so far as I am aware, import licences are not required in connection with imports of wool piecegoods into Germany, but the Payments Agreement contains special provisions for the issue of foreign exchange certificates in respect of the export of United Kingdom textile manufactures to Germany.
Earl of DALKEITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the trade agreements hitherto concluded affecting British woollen manufactured exports do not perceptibly benefit the Scottish trade owing to its high standard; and whether, in view of the depressed condition of this industry in the south of Scotland, he will make a point of recommending for preferential treatment in any trade agreements which may be entered into in future the specially high-grade woollen goods which are produced in that area?
1974W
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLESafeguards for the high grade wool textile industry along with other industries have been secured in almost all the trade agreements already negotiated, and I can assure my Noble Friend that the importance of this export trade is not overlooked in our negotiations. The difficulties of the industry, however, are to a considerable extent due to reduced spending power in its overseas markets, and it is therefore difficult to secure improved facilities for it by means of trade agreements.