§ 28. Sir J. Lucasasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between the British and the Japanese Governments, under which woollen garments imported from Japan would be free of quota and duty, is under discussion, if he is aware of the disquiet felt by employers of labour in the British woollen industry; and if he will give an assurance that the interests of British manufacturers will be safeguarded.
§ Mr. GreenI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer my right hon. Friend gave to the Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Mr. Hirst) on 14th November. It is, however, not correct that the Treaty will result in woollen garments from Japan entering the United Kingdom free of duty; they will in fact continue to be liable to the appropriate m.f.n. rate.
§ 50. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieuasked he President of the Board of Trade why wool or woollen garments are not included in the list of sensitive items covered by the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with Japan.
§ 51. Mr. Oramasked the President of the Board of Trade why, under the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, wool garments are not included among the items for which quotas will remain, whereas woollen piece goods are.
§ Mr. GreenBecause there is no strong presumption that when restrictions are removed, there will be an immediate increase in imports of these products that will cause serious injury.