HC Deb 28 July 1959 vol 610 cc62-4W
Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many sewing machines have been imported from Japan, or from Japanese subsidiaries or selling agents, by the Superior Sewing Company, the Atlas Sewing Company, and the Whitfield Sewing Company during 1958 and 1959; and what applications he has received from these firms for licences for importing spare parts for future maintenance.

Sir D. Eccles

One since the beginning of 1958. It is not the practice to disclose particulars of applications for import licences, or of imports, by individual firms.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Alpha, Brather and Novum sewing machines manufactured in Japan, or made in parts and sent to Spain and Eire for assembly, were imported into Great Britain during 1948, 1958, and 1959.

Sir D. Eccles

Neither the brand of machine nor the country of manufacture of machines or components is available from the import statistics. Imports of sewing machines from Spain and the Irish Republic are as follows:

called the European Sewing Machine Co.; and what arrangements have been made for granting import licences for spare parts and replacements.

Sir D. Eccles

If the hon. Member can provide me with evidence of a contravention of the Merchandise Marks Acts, I will consider it. Licences are not required for imports of sewing machines or parts which originate in the Irish Republic.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the danger caused to the sewing machine industry by unfair competition from cheap machines imported from Japan; and what action he will take, by the invocation of anti-dumping legislation or otherwise, to protect the industry from this.

Sir D. Eccles

The Board of Trade have not received an application for the imposition of an anti-dumping duty on sewing machines imported from Japan and are not therefore considering any action under the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act.