The Cabinet decided on Tuesday to impose a duty on
German fabric gloves, under the " anti-dumping " clauses of the Sal e- guarding Of Industries Act. The decision has been long delayed, because it is well known that it raises the whole question of
Protection v. Free Trade in au acute form. No one can pretend
that the small British fabric-glove industry is necessary to the defence of the realm, as the making of dyes and some kinds of optical glass may be. Moreover, a heavy duty on fabric gloves, while benefiting the few British makers, will injure the Bolton spinners, who export -to Germany the fine cotton yarns used for the glove fabric. It may even be questioned whether, now that German currency is heavily depreciated, the heaviest possible, duty will exelude German gloves, though the price will -go up -and the consumer, -as well as .the Bolton spinner, will suffer. Under the Act the Government have full power to impose a duty, but the .House of Commons ought at least to debate this very ominous measure of -Protection unashamed.
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