HC Deb 11 April 1935 vol 300 cc1344-5W
Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the widespread alarm at the increase in the importation of German rayon products, hosiery and underwear; the amount of such increase for the year 1934 compared with 1933, and for the first three months of 1935 as compared with a similar period in 1934; and what effect such increase has upon employment in this country?

Dr. BURGIN

My right hon. Friend has received representations from the Hosiery Manufacturers' Federation regarding the imports of hosiery from Germany. I am having a statement prepared in answer to the second part of the question which I will send to my hon. Friend. As regards the last part, I am informed by the Ministry of Labour that separate particulars of the employment afforded by hosiery manufacturers using artificial silk are not available.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the alarm caused by the increase in the importation of German rayon goods, hosiery, and underwear, he will consider the desirability of abrogating or amending the most-favoured-nation clause with France, in view of the trifling exports of these goods to this country from France, but whereby Germany, taking advantage of the clause, is enabled to flood this country with cheap productions which compete unfairly with British manufacturers to the detriment of our workpeople?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The rates of duty on rayon goods were imposed as recently as July last on the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee. As at present advised, my right hon. Friend is not prepared to take action on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.