asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the total value of goods in sterling exported to Holland from 1st January, 1946, to 31st March, 1947; and the total amount of goods expressed in terms of sterling received from Holland in the corresponding period;

(2) the total value of goods in sterling exported to France from 1st January, 1946, to 31st March, 1947; and the total amount of goods expressed in terms of sterling received from France in the corresponding period.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 22nd April, to a similar Question about trade with Sweden.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names and salaries of the members of the British Timber Control.

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of the names and salaries of the principal officers of the Timber Control.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Canadian lumber mills are charging the British Government 77 dollars per 1,000 foot for British railway sleepers, and are charging the Canadian railways 26 dollars per 1,000 foot for better quality timber, and will he explain this discrepancy, and what the milling organisation is?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Tudor cocktail glasses have been imported from Belgium since 1st January, 1947; how many were imported of these or similar glasses during 1946; and the total cost involved in each period.

This kind of glassware is not classified separately in the trade returns. The quantities of stemmed glassware of all descriptions imported during the period mentioned in the Question were. however, small.

Can the hon. Gentle man say whether these are genuine or spurious antiques?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the serious position of the pottery industry in North Staffordshire, arising from the lack of fuel; and whether he will take steps immediately to raise the allocation to at least the level of the cotton industry.

I am aware of the serious difficulties which have been experienced by pottery manufacturers in North Staffordshire owing to shortage of coal; and I hope that the recent increase in their allocation from 33 per cent. of winter requirements to 60 per cent. will be a substantial help. I regret that it is not possible to arrange for any further improvement at the present time. The allocations will, however, be kept under review in the light of the coal supply situation.

Will the Minister appreciate the great contribution which has been made to the export trade of this country by the pottery industry? Will he not agree that there is a grave shortage in the home market, which would be eased if we could have some more coal, and that this 60 per cent. ought to be given to pottery manufacturers wherever they are, and not only to those in North Staffordshire?

I agree with the great importance of the pottery industry with regard to exports. They have made a valuable contribution. I am aware of the shortage of pottery on the home market, but, as I have said, the position does not enable us to do more than we are doing at present. The position will be kept under constant review.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of cups and saucers; and what steps are being taken to increase production and obtain better distribution.

I am aware that the coal cuts which the potters have suffered have reduced the general level of supplies not only of cups and saucers but of many other articles of crockery. There has, however, been a recent increase in the coal allocation to the pottery industry, and production should now begin to pick up again. As regards distribution, I am satisfied that the manufacturers are distributing supplies to the home market as evenly as possible, but if my hon. Friend can send me evidence that supplies in any particular district are well below the average I will be glad to look into this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what cut in the supply of paper to publishing firms is expected to result from the recently announced reductions in fuel allocations to paper mills;

(2) how much saving in coal is expected to be made as a result of the recently announced reductions in fuel allocations to paper mills; and what proportion of this figure is estimated to result from the reduction of paper supplies to book publishing firms;

(3) whether the contribution of the book trade to British exports was considered before the recently announced cuts in fuel allocations to paper mills was made; and if he will give figures of the estimated loss.

Coal allocations to paper mills, as to other sections of industry, have recently been substantially increased. All paper mills receive the basic allowance to industry which now stands at 50 per cent. of requirements, estimated, in the case of the paper industry, at 67.000 tons per week. Many mills are receiving, in addition, supplements from the regional pools. Moreover, current deliveries of coal are in many cases running in excess of allocations. I am unable to state what coal will be saved as a result of any reduction in the supply of paper to publishers, or what this reduction is likely to be, but I hope that, as a proportion of the whole year's supply, it will be small, and that exports of books will not be affected.

Will the hon. Gentleman try to give us more detailed figures as to the exact amount of coal saved by the paper being cut off from the book publishers, because that is the specially important part of the trade? Will he tell us whether his answer means that, in fact, the fuel allocations have been restored—that we are to go back to the situation which existed before the recent cuts were made?

It means that, at the. present time, the allocations are 50 per cent. of their basic requirements, and, in some cases, they are receiving more, as the result of extra allocations from the regional pools. The basic allocation is being exceeded quite deliberately.

Does the Minister realise that the publication of textbooks is being gravely affected by this shortage of coal due to the crisis, and can he give any indication that, as the result of the school-leaving age, there will be an adequate supply of textbooks published?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman can be quite sure that I am aware of the necessity of doing all we can to assist this very important industry, particularly on the educational side, and anything that can be done to assist it will be done.

As the result of the revised allocation, will the Minister see that there is sufficient coal sent to the five paper mills in Aberdeen where there has been some unemployment owing to the shortage of coal?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department has informed the Publishers' Association that the recent cut in coal allocation to the paper mills is unlikely to result in a loss of more than 10 per cent. of the current quota of paper for book publishers, when it is the view of the paper mills that it will result in a loss of 50 per cent.

I am not aware that the Publishers' Association have been so informed. I do not think, however, that the effect of the coal position on paper supplies generally will be as serious as my hon. Friend suggests.

Can my hon. Friend say what measure of priority is given to the book publishing industry, as it seems that his Department's attitude is somewhat barbarian towards that trade, particularly in view of the inability of new authors to obtain publication of their books, and the implications of the export trade, to say nothing of adult education?

Neither the Department nor the Ministers concerned are unaware of the importance of the book publishing trade, but my hon. Friend must keep a sense of proportion. There are other trades which are even more vital.

Has the Minister studied the letter by Sir Stanley Unwin in "The Times," and does he realise the grave injury which is being done to education, to the export trade and to other national interests, and the very small quantity of coal required to remedy these very serious matters?

I have not read the letter referred to. I am rather occupied at the moment, but I will do my best to see what can be done.

Will any reduction in the fuel allocation to paper mills lead to less paper being available for football pool promoters; and, if not, why not?

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the actual percentage of the cut, as far as book publishers are concerned?

It is not a cut. It is a loss of production arising out of the fuel shortage. A good estimate would be about 30 per cent., I think.

Since the hon. Gentleman's reply seems to indicate that his Department have not the figures to distinguish between the saving to the book trade and the other savings to the paper mills, does this not also indicate that his Department have never considered the actual saving of coal which would be made by the cuts to the book trade, and should he not, therefore, consider the whole problem again in consideration of the fact that the book trade should have priority over all other demands for paper?

I am sorry, but I could not possibly accept such a sweeping assertion as that the book trade should have absolute priority over all other forms of the paper industry. [An HON. MEMBER: "Why not? "] Because we need to wrap up our food in paper containers, and there are many other uses. I could not accept such a sweeping assertion, but I am prepared to look into the whole matter.

When he is looking into the whole question, will the Minister also investigate the need for increasing coal to manufacturers of paper-making machinery, because that may prove a bottleneck in book production before long?

When will the hon. Gentleman's Department start planning for plenty instead of for shortage? They have failed most miserably in everything they have undertaken.

I trust that with all this, the hon. Gentleman will not lose sight of the needs of the weekly reviews.

I am not losing sight of anything.

Is the Minister aware that the sort of paper which is used for wrapping up food is not the sort of paper used for publishing books? His reply was quite irrelevant to the problem, and it shows quite clearly the barbarian attitude of his Department towards the book trade.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies, I wish to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the proposed purchase of approximately 50,000,000 yards of grey cloth from Japan will be paid for in dollars; if the prices will be paid based on current United States values; and by how much it is expected the prices will differ from comparable Lancashire products.

As regards the first part of the Question, discussions are at present proceeding in Washington as to the basis of payment for purchases and sales between Japan and the sterling area, and I should prefer not to make any statement as to this particular transaction at the present moment. The prices paid are based on current United States values and, while it is not possible to make an exact comparison with the prices of individual types of Lancashire products, they will exceed comparable United Kingdom controlled prices.

While not wishing to compromise the Minister, may I ask him if the negotiations are going on between his Department and the United States Commercial Corporation? If he will answer that question I will be satisfied for now.

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will, when he is able, tell us what is going on?

Perhaps at some subsequent stage the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question.

asked the President of the Board of. Trade what increases are likely to be made in the near future in the imports of softwood timber from Scandinavia and Finland.

I anticipate that imports of softwood from Finland and Sweden will increase substantially through the 1947 season, following the conclusion of contracts at present under negotiation. Shipments will commence as soon as the Baltic ports are free of ice. A further statement will be made as soon as possible.

Is it not the case that the principal difficulty in Sweden is that the Swedes say they cannot send us the amount of wood they would like to send, and which we would like to receive, until they receive more coal, and is it part of the agreement that they should receive more coal?

It could not be part of a bilateral agreement between this country and Sweden that, as a result of the conclusion of such a contract, they would receive more coal, since their coal allocation is-determined by the European Coal Organisation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue a statement of the Government's views on the desirability of foreign tourists visiting this country during the coming season.

As my right hon. and learned Friend stated on 17th April, in reply to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Portsmouth (Major Bruce), it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage foreign visitors to this country during the coming holiday season.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that publicity is given to this statement in foreign countries so that the foreigner may know that he is welcome here?

I will take note of that suggestion.

Does "this country" include Scotland?

Whenever I speak of this country, I mean the United Kingdom.

Will my hon. Friend bring to the notice of his colleagues these lugubrious posters which are likely to chill not only the foreigner but anybody else?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the propaganda which is going on both in America and in Europe against this country? It is very strong propaganda.

I am aware that such propaganda is going on. I deplore it, and, in so far as it is carried on by citizens of this country, it is very unpatriotic.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continued shortage of rubber boots in Norfolk where they are particularly needed in agriculture and in other industries owing to local conditions; and if he will endeavour to increase the supply at an early date.

Supplies of men's wellingtons have improved very rapidly since early last year, owing to increased home production and the release of Government surpluses. But I will have a special investigation carried out to see that Norfolk is getting its fair share.

Will the Minister ensure that we shall have a supply before next winter when there will be an urgent need for them?

I will take notice of that request, and will do all I can.

Is my hon. Friend aware that Lancashire cotton mills are cutting up good rubber boots to augment coal supplies?

If my hon. Friend will let me have details, I will make inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continued shortage of 34-inch by 7-inch and 32-inch by 6-inch lorry tyres in Norfolk and that this is interfering with the transport of flour, seed corn, agricultural feeding stuffs and fertilisers; and if he will have the position investigated as a matter of urgency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continuing shortage of tyres for commercial vehicles; and whether he will take immediate steps to improve supplies and so avoid the immobilisation of road vehicles to the detriment of the export and commercial life of the country.

The supply of replacement tyres, for commercial vehicles which was slowly overtaking demand has received a temporary set-back owing to the fuel crisis. Manufacturers are concentrating production, as far as practicable, on the sizes such as 34 by 7 which are in greatest demand, and supplies are distributed as equitably as possible throughout the country. The situation is being watched closely.

Is the Minister aware that at present there are hardly any of these tyres available in the whole of Norfolk, and that there is a great risk of vehicles having to be taken off the roads, thus interfering with agricultural transport? Will he give all the help he can?

I will certainly give all the help I can. If the local suppliers of tyres are in really serious difficulties, they should communicate with the tyre manufacturers.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is an old problem in the transport industry? Will he satisfy himself that a disproportionate amount of tyres is not being exported to the detriment of the requirements of our home trade?

That is not the case. Towards the end of last year the production of the large tyres, the 34 by 7, used commercially, was three times the prewar production.

Will the hon. Gentleman take note of the fact that the shortage is not due to the shortage of rubber in this country, in view of the fact that the Government have been willing to sell 6,000 tons of rubber to Russia at 3d. under the price at which they are selling it here?

That appears to be an entirely different question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when is the Govern- ment's scheme for financial assistance to approved amalgamations in the cotton spinning trade to come into force.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 22nd April to the hon. Member for Darwen (Mr. Prescott)

As there are widespread reports that the scheme will come into effect on 1st May, could not the Parliamentary Secretary give us a definite statement now?

I am afraid I cannot. It is possible that it may come in on 1st May. A statement will be made as soon as possible.

It is only a week away

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to ensure that excessive prices are not charged for household materials such as curtains, in cases where people have to buy the more expensive types of materials which are free of coupons and dockets.

Price regulation committees do their utmost to ensure that excessive prices are not charged for the small quantities of the more expensive furnishing fabrics which are available without the surrender of dockets or coupons. The prices of these fabrics are controlled, but are high because, amongst other things, they are in many cases expensive to weave and are liable to Purchase Tax, which is chargeable at no per cent. on pile and woven-figure fabrics. Cheaper materials, such as utility net and certain cretonnes, can be bought for coupons and without dockets, and others, such as dyed hessian and plastic sheeting, can be bought without either coupons or dockets.

Does not the Minister appreciate that after many weary years of war the housewife wants a little colour, hope and enjoyment; and would not the best solution be to give a greater number of dockets and coupons, and, if need be, to reduce the exports? We want a little cheer at home, after all, even from the Board of Trade.

The Board of Trade are only too anxious to bring some cheer into the home, but increasing the number of dockets and coupons, without increasing the amount of material available, would not have the slightest effect upon the housewife.

I want to spread a little ray of sunshine somehow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the eight most senior officials at the Department of Overseas Trade have had more than six months' service abroad for that Department.

Of the five senior officials of the Export Promotion Department primarily concerned with our commercial relations with overseas countries, three have had more than six months' service abroad on behalf of the Department. The other two have only recently been transferred to the Export Promotion Department. There are, in addition, three senior officials who have not been overseas for substantial periods, but their work is primarily concerned with United Kingdom industries rather than with foreign countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the current allocation of coal to the North Walsham Steam Laundry in Norfolk, employing nearly 300 people, has been reduced to a figure which will permit of only a 3½-day week being worked; and if he will authorise a more adequate amount being made available.

Following on the recent increase in coal supplies for industry, the allocation to this laundry has been reviewed, and, as from 21st April, substantially increased.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the drastic cuts in allocation of fuel to laundries in Cornwall will make it impossible for the laundries adequately to serve the hospitals; and if he will give immediate consideration to this matter.

Following on the recent increase in coal supplies for industry generally, the allocations to all laundries in Cornwall have been reviewed, and, as from 21st April, substantially increased.

While appreciating the Minister's reply, may I ask him to bear in mind the needs of the Lizard Laundry, because, apart from serving a wide naval area, it looks after personnel at a Fleet Air Arm aerodrome, and, to a considerable extent, an adjacent industrial area?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the decision that the present allocation of clothing coupons must last until the end of October will be modified in the case of schoolchildren, who need outfits before beginning the autumn school term.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties which will be experienced by many parents in outfitting their children before they leave home for the winter term at school, in view of the fact that the new issue of clothing coupons will not be available until after the beginning of the school term; and whether, in order to meet this difficulty, he will arrange for the new issue of children's clothing coupons to be available at an earlier date so as to enable the purchase of winter clothing to be made before the beginning of the school term.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Members to the reply given on 22nd April to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. Peter Freeman).

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the small concession he announced on Tuesday is hopelessly inadequate to cover the clothing needs for any child at all?

Yes, but so often one hears talk of the number of coupons which we should make available, and it must be clearly understood that the coupons made available are the maximum to meet the quantity of material available. It would be useless to increase the number of coupons in the absence of an equal increase in the amount of material available. It just is not there.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is feeling throughout the country that it would be a good thing if, in children's clothing, some material was left for enlargement—tucks, and things?

I think that is the normal practice. That is a very useful suggestion, and I have no doubt it will be conveyed to the manufacturers as a result of the hon. Member's supplementary question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of babies' wear in Leicester; and whether, having regard to the hardship this is causing, particularly in the case of expectant mothers who are preparing for the birth of their first child, he will take steps to remedy this shortage.

Yes, Sir, and every effort is being made to remedy the shortage.

Can my hon. Friend say, in view of the very serious shortage that exists in these commodities, when they are likely to be raised to a reasonable standards of production?

I am afraid I cannot say when production will be satisfactory, but every effort is being made to overcome the shortage.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to state the percentage of current supplies of men's wear involved in sending out 5,000,000 garments to troops overseas; and if he expects that the greater turnover in 1947, estimated before the fuel crisis, will now materialise.

Civilian garments are not being sent in bulk to troops overseas, and the trade bodies with whom this matter was earlier discussed were informed accordingly several weeks ago. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant. Gentleman to the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend gave to similar Questions on this subject on 3rd April.

Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that retail shops are unable to obtain enough clothes to meet the coupons of the people who deal with them; and can he give an assurance that before any clothing is exported to troops overseas some inquiry will be made to see that civilian rations will not be cut down?

There has been no suggestion that the civilian ration is to be cut down. I have given the hon. and gallant Member a categorical reply in answer to his Question that supplies of clothing in bulk are not sent to troops overseas, and anybody who spreads that story abroad is doing the country a disservice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the contracts made for export in the Cornish china clay industry; that this foreign exchange will be lost on the present allocation of coal; that the finished production in some cases will be less than half the required output; and, in view of the fact that china clay production is a continuous process, if he will give urgent consideration to raising the allocation of coal to this industry in the interest of the export market.

I am fully aware of he rising export possibilities of china clay, but in present circumstances the first charge on this important raw material industry must be to satisfy the essential needs of its home consumers, who play such a large part in the internal economy of the country as well as in the export trade. I hope, however, that after these essential needs have been met there will be sufficient clay left over to enable the industry at least to retain its more important export markets. For these reasons, and because the process of drying china clay is a continuous one, the coal allocation to this industry has recently been substantially increased, but I regret that the general coal supply situation does not justify any further increase at present.

Is the Minister aware that this industry plays a very vital part in housing and electrical generating plant programmes; and will he reconsider the present allocation which is allowed to this industry, as it is not sufficient?

It has been reconsidered recently as a result of a visit paid to my office by representatives of this trade. However, I regret that it is not possible at the moment to do more than is being done.

Can the hon. Member say if it is possible in the china clay industry to use oil, because I understand it is a most complicated matter to change over from coal to oil? Has the Minister done anything about that?

I am afraid that is a technical question, and a rather different one from that which appears on the Order Paper. If the hon. and gallant Member puts down a Question I will do my best to answer it.

Can the hon. Member not engage the assistance of some of his right hon. Friends in ensuring that china clay deposits are released from War Office control?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the basis for the order of priority which decides that the coal allocation for the wool textile industry shall be 50 per cent. against that of the cotton textile industry at 75 per cent.

As my hon. Friend will be aware, the basic coal allocation to industry as a whole is now 50 per cent. of winter requirements, and this figure, therefore, applies to both cotton and wool textile industries. Supplements from the regional pools have brought the figure for the cotton industry in Lancashire up to 75 per cent., and in Yorkshire the following sections of the wool textile industry up to the same level: wool combers, worsted spinners, dyers and finishers, and carbonisers and scourers.

Is the hon. Member aware that the 50 per cent. voluntary reduction was made by the wool industry at the beginning of the war, and that there was no voluntary reduction on the cotton side?

That is a rather different point. I should be glad to look into that if my hon. Friend would put down a Question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the great difficulty persons with deformities are experiencing in obtaining suitable footwear; and whether he will take steps to make available more ladies' boots, and cork and leather to meet special requirements.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Newton (Sir Robert Young) on 6th February last.

I have seen that reply. Does the hon. Gentleman not recognise that there is still great difficulty about getting surgical boots for people who require them? There are not sufficient soft boots, nor sufficient supplies of cork and leather for people who need surgical boots.

In any case of particular difficulty I shall always be pleased to do what I can to assist. If that difficulty arises from lack of materials, the real trouble in this industry is the shortage of skilled craftsmen.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the case that came to my notice the other day of a lady who had been ordered by a consulting surgeon to wear a particular kind of boots, and who was informed that she could not obtain them for over a year? Will he not, if his attention is called to such cases, do something to remedy a situation that is causing real hardship?

I shall be more than pleased, if the noble Lord will let me have details of that particular case, to do all I can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give consideration to the granting of licences for one or more periodicals for circulation overseas in order to secure a wider knowledge and understanding abroad of this country.

My right hon. and learned Friend has given very full consideration to the Question put by my hon. Friend. It is, unfortunately, still not possible to provide the paper for new periodicals generally, but it is desirable, in the national interest, that facilities should be given to one or more publishers who may desire to produce a new periodical which will serve the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind. This will involve the selection of a suitable project from the applications that may be presented, and a committee has been appointed which will advise on the selection. The composition of the committee will be as follows;—

• Lord Layton—Chairman.
• Mr. C. R. Morris—Headmaster, King Edward's School Birmingham.
• Mr. S. J. Brown—Managing Director, Amalgamated Press, Ltd.
• Mr. W. C. Nisbet—Director, Illustrated Newspapers Ltd.
• Mr. W. J. Dickinson—Director, Hultons Press, Ltd.

A Press announcement to this effect is being issued, and applications will be considered at an early date.

Will the hon. Gentleman be a little bit more specific about what purpose his Tight hon. and learned Friend has in mind? What type of periodicals will be considered?

The purpose my right hon. and learned Friend has in mind is the purpose set out in my hon. Friend's Question. He asked for one or more periodicals for circulation overseas in order to secure a wider knowledge and understanding abroad of this country, and that is precisely the kind of periodical we are proposing.

Trade journals?

Does the hon. Gentleman refer to new periodicals only?

A new periodical designed to spread knowledge and understanding of this country abroad.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that there are sufficient papers in existence in London already to spread that knowledge and understanding?

Will the hon. Gentleman, if he is going to take care of new periodicals, assure me he will do nothing to prevent my getting the "Daily Herald"?

I should be very sorry, indeed, to prevent the hon. Gentleman getting the enlightenment I am sure he can obtain from the "Daily Herald." In answer to the previous supplementary question, I would say I would not accept it that we can continue for ever to rely on existing periodicals. I believe in allowing new avenues of thought to be opened up.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether these periodicals will be in the English language, or in the language of the countries to which they are being exported? Can I emphasise what was said—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] May I ask the Minister if he will give us some idea of the things which the Government are trying to put across— culture, music or scenery?

Understanding and knowledge of this country. I am afraid I cannot say what form the publications will take until we have considered the applications and considered what they are.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, in spite of the steps taken by his Department to increase the allocation of cotton yarn for thread for the home market, there is still an insufficient quantity of thread in the London area to meet the demands of clothing manufacturers; and if he will take steps to ensure adequate supplies of cotton thread to allow the limited supplies of cloth to be manufactured into clothing.

Supplies of sewing thread are not abundant, but I have no reason to suppose that they are insufficient to enable clothing manufacturers to maintain production. If the hon. Member will let me have details of any particular cases he has in mind I shall be glad to look into them.