asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received regarding the importation of Belgian moquette fabrics; and whether he will make a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what reply his Department sent to the Furnishing Fabric Manufacturers' Association Limited concerning the importation of Belgian moquette fabrics;

(2) if he is aware of the adverse effect of the importation of Belgian moquette fabrics on the woollen industry of Keighley; and what action he is proposing to take;

(3) if he will increase the tariff on imported Belgian moquette fabrics.

Concern has been expressed at the effect of the import of Belgian moquettes on the home industry in Keighley and elsewhere. An application for increased import duties on moquette fabrics is under preliminary examination in the Board of Trade. The applicants have been asked for additional information to enable the matter to be considered further.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these representations to the Board of Trade have been going on for a long time and that it is not really very satisfactory that this has reached only this stage at present? Is he further aware that existing legislation appears to be singularly ineffective? When will teeth be put into it to protect the home market from unfair competition?

I do not agree that legislation is ineffective. It has been effective in several cases, but we must have the information. I can assure my hon. Friend that if the industry concerned gives us information on which to make a judgment we shall not delay.