HC Deb 13 May 1966 vol 728 c135W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that imports of man-made fibre piece goods increased from 20 million to 29 million square yards in the first quarter of 1966, and, in view of the fact that they come mainly from non-Commonwealth sources, mainly low-cost eastern suppliers, if he will take steps to curb these imports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Darling

The bulk of imports of man-made fibre piece goods come from North America and from Western European countries. Imports are generally subject to a substantial tariff. I am, however, examining representations which have been made to me that some imports of these goods from some sources are a deliberate circumvention of the arrangements applying to cotton textiles.