HC Deb 03 May 1955 vol 540 c118W
Mr. Owen

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the ladies' coat- and dress-making trade in East and North London, Manchester and Leeds, is in a precarious position, and that the uncontrolled imports of foreign goods will lead to bankruptcy among master tailors and dressmakers in these areas; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Imports of women's coats and dresses are very small in relation to United Kingdom production of such goods. I have received no evidence that the circumstances of the making-up trade call for special action by the Government. There is a shortage of labour in the clothing industry in all the places named.