HC Deb 21 March 1950 vol 472 c103W
66. Mr. Prescott

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the policy of His Majesty's Government to the importation into this country of finished Japanese textiles.

Mr. H. Wilson

For balance of payments reasons the import into the United Kingdom of finished Japanese textiles for the home market is not at present permitted.

67. Mr. Prescott

asked the President of the Board of Trade what finished textile goods, and to what value sterling, have been imported into this country from Hong Kong within the last six months; and what is the future policy of His Majesty's Government in this respect.

Mr. H. Wilson

Imports of finished textile goods from Hong Kong during the six months August, 1949—January, 1950, totalled £117,000. Details are as follows: Knitted underwear, £42,000; shirts, £29,000; other apparel, £26,000; other finished goods of cotton, wool, silk and miscellaneous materials. £20,000.

As regards the second part of the Question, I will keep the matter under examination but I wish to make it clear that any suggestion that protective duties or quotas should be imposed against the Colonies would have far-reaching implications indeed.