§ Mr. Nicholas Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware of the concern in the glove manufacturing industry about the admission of duty free imports of gloves from developing countries; and whether he will take action to protect the industry.
§ Mr. NobleI have had no recent representations about duty free imports of gloves from developing countries or anywhere else. Such imports come primarily from the Commonwealth and from Hong Kong in particular. Those from Hong Kong rose by £0.5 million and from other countries by £0.2 million between 1968 and 1969. However, total exports also increased by £0.5 million and production rose from £11.6 million to £12.3 million over the same period. On balance, this industry therefore appears to be adapting itself readily to current trade conditions and without special protective action.