§ Mr. Hirstasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the growing imports of Italian woollen and worsted cloth; and what actions the Government propose to take in the interests of the British wool textile industry.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftIn the 12 months to the end of February, 1955, imports of wool tissues from Italy amounted to about twice the quantity imported in the preceding 12 months. However, they were less than one half of the levels in the years 1949–51, and amounted to less than 11/4 per cent. of the estimated total consumption of wool tissues in the United Kingdom. I am not aware that the present situation constitutes any serious threat to the interests of the United Kingdom wool textile industry.