asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the Government's proposals for the maintenance of our export trade?

As I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris) on 6th September, His Majesty's Government will use every effort to ensure that this country's exporting capacity is used to the best advantage, consistently with the satisfaction of essential home requirements and overriding war needs; and they have under constant consideration the means that may be necessary to secure the fulfilment of this policy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is constant contact between his Department, the Ministry of Supply and also the Ministry of Economic Warfare in relation to the production of materials available for export?

Yes, Sir; there is constant daily interchange between these three Departments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the grounds on which restrictions are imposed on imported fruits, with the exception of apples, at a time when glut conditions prevail in the home apple crop?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 13th September to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Jackson).

Is it not the fact that apples are being allowed in and other fruit excluded when the home yield is so plentiful?

I said in answer to the previous question that the import of apples was not so urgent a question; they come in at a later date than the other fruit. They are excluded at the moment in order to give an opportunity for discussion with the importing countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any arrangements have been made for the continuity of trade between the Baltic States and Finland and this country; and whether British official trade representation in these countries will be maintained during the process of the war?

I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government are anxious that trade between this country and the Baltic States and Finland should continue so far as the circumstances of war permit; and arrangements to this end are being made. British official trade representatives are still at their posts in these countries and it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to maintain them there.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether that reply would apply generally to the export trade?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in relation to the export trade with these countries and to other countries, he is taking steps to see that the price level is not unduly raised?

That, of course, is one of the most important aspects.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the greatest difficulties in trading with Finland and other Baltic countries is the excessive war risks insurance, and will he look into that matter again, as 20 guineas per cent, is the usual rate on the London market?

I will certainly consider war risk insurance, but I think my hon. Friend will realise that in the case of Finland and the Baltic States there are other practical difficulties in the way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the maintenance of the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938?

I am not yet able to announce what: arrangements will be made for the regulation of the cinematograph film industry to meet war-time conditions, but I can assure my hon. Friend that in considering this matter I shall keep fully in mind the importance of maintaining the production of British films during the war period. Meantime, the Act of 1938 is still in force and its provisions will not be modified without further consultation with the interests concerned.

I take it that the answer is that it is the wish of the President of the Board of Trade that British film production shall continue during times of war? Is he aware of the fact that, as a result of the prevailing and still persisting uncertainty in the industry as to future decisions of the Board of Trade, British film production to-day is at a standstill; and does he appreciate the fact that the finance for retaining technicians will not be available unless —

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asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is in; ended to control the prices of materials used in the construction and equipment of vessels for the Mercantile Marine; and what steps will be taken whereby the high prices demanded for such tonnage during the late war may be avoided?

The most important materials used in the building of merchant ships are iron and steel, and supplies and prices of these are already controlled by the Ministry of Supply. Some other materials which enter into the construction of ships, such as timber, are also already subject to control. The whole question of the cost of building new -ships will be kept constantly under" close observation with a view to deciding whether any other steps are necessary to prevent undue increases in cost.

Is the Minister aware that during the last war prices were four times the normal prices?

Certainly, in the last war here were no such steps to control these prices such as have already been taken in the first three weeks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the petition of the Herring Trade Association to have herring barrels and barrel-making materials exempted from compulsory insurance under the War Risks Insurance Act; and whether in view of the peculiar circumstances of the herring trade, he is prepared to make the desired concession?

I have received the petition of the Herring Trade Association to which my hon. Friend refers and I am giving it urgent consideration.