§ Mr. Doddsasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the concern arising from the rapidly increasing number of sewing machines being imported from countries with low wage standards, what action he has taken or proposes to take, in the matter.
§ Mr. MaudlingImports of domestic sewing machines from Japan and countries in the Sovietbloc are limited by quota. Machines imported from foreign countries, other than members of the E.F.T.A., carry a duty of 15 per cent. Imports from the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic are duty free.
I met representatives of the British Association of Sewing Machine Manufacturers on 6th September, 1960. A reply was sent to the Association on 17th October, explaining why it was not possible to adopt a particular proposal made by them about discouraging imports.