asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that persons have recently been informed by the Import Licensing Department that, although an import licencesss can be issued, it will take a week to have it typed; and when he anticipates it will be possible to improve the arrangements in this connection.

The present universal shortage of typing staff is causing me grave concern. Everything possible is being done to secure the necessary increase in the typing staffs of my Department. The delay is now not quite so serious as the hon. and gallant Member suggests, and I can assure him that every effort is being made to improve on the present position.