§ 48. Mr. Kenyonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the damaging effect on the basket-making industry which the importation of cheap quality shopping rush bags and baskets is causing; and, as these articles are produced by sweated labour, if he will prohibit their importation.
§ Mr. H. StraussRush bags and baskets were removed in March from open general licences, and will be restricted under import quotas, details of which will soon be announced. These restrictions have been imposed on account of our balance of payments. It is, however, open to any industry to apply for increased protection against foreign competition through the tariff, and certain basket manufacturers have already been advised of the procedure for making such application.