55. Air Commodore Harveyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the increased importation of foreign textile materials into this country, about which the hon. and gallant Member for Macclesfield wrote to him on 17th June.
§ Mr. MackesonIn the first five months of this year, imports from all sources of textile manufactures (including yarns and piece goods but not apparel or carpets) amounted to £30 million c.i.f. compared with over £100 million for the calendar year 1951.
The reason why a greater reduction has not yet become apparent is that importers are being allowed to honour contracts made before 11th March of this year.
A further reduction in imports may be expected as a result of the restrictions which have been imposed for balance of payments reasons.