§ 87. M. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that fully fashioned nylon stockings in the flat are being imported from Italy into Southern Ireland at 15s. per dozen and finished and resold in the United Kingdom at 22s. 6d. per dozen in un limited quantities, although they are not allowed to be sold at all in Southern Ireland, against British factory costs of 40s. per dozen; and if he will investigate the hidden export subsidy which is endangering the employment of hosiery workers in Great Britain.
§ M. Vaughan-MorganI am aware that some of the nylon stockings imported from the Irish Republic are made from material imported from Italy as blanks or in the flat. But the Government of the Irish Republic have already taken steps to regulate exports to this country of stockings made from such imported material.
§ 88. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade how many nylon fully fashioned stockings have been imported each month since 1st January, 1959, in dozens and value from Europe and Southern Ireland, respectively; and what were the corresponding figures for the same months in 1958.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganNylon fully-fashioned stockings are not separately distinguished in the trade returns.
§ 89. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the import quota of finished nylon fully fashioned stockings from Europe in dozens and value for 1959; if it has been completed already; how far it has been extended by hardship licences in volume and value; to whom these have been granted and on what grounds; and how far the interests of the hosiery workers in this country are borne in mind before they are granted.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThe general quota for all types of stockings and socks from Western Europe is £350,000 and has been fully allocated for 1959. Special facilities for individual countries have also been agreed bilaterally under which licences granted for 1959 so far total £114,000. The restrictions were imposed for balance of payments 41W reasons. The interests of the industry, including the hosiery workers, are protected by the tariff.