§ Mr. Liddallasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the aggregate value of imports of textile manufactures in the first six months of this year; and whether in view of the increase in the adverse balance of trade as shown in June, His Majesty's Government are prepared to take steps to restrict further imports of such classes of goods which can be produced in the United Kingdom, by imposing a quota or forbidding further imports?
§ Mr. StanleyDuring the six months ended June, 1939, the aggregate value of textile manufactures (except apparel) imported into the United Kingdom was £9,131,000. With regard to the second part of the question, it is true that the excess of imports over exports in June of this year was somewhat greater than in June, 1938, but the excess of imports over exports during the first six months of 1939 was some £20 million less than in the first six months of 1938. In these circumstances, I cannot agree that there is any case for a departure such as my hon. Friend suggests from the policy which the Government have hitherto pursued.