asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to restrict the imports of pork and poultry this year to the level of 1964.

None, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that I consider that to be a very disappointing reply? Is he further aware that according to his own statistics for the early months of this year the imports of poultry and pork, all of which can be produced in this country, were nearly doubled? There is great concern among producers in East Anglia, and the President of the Board of Trade has already had a letter from Porcofram, Ltd., poultry and pig breeders in my constituency.

It is best to get the figures in perspective. Imports of pork into this country amount to about 3 per cent. of home consumption, which is rather insignificant against home production. Although, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman says, imports are somewhat higher than they were a year ago, they are still below the import level of three or four years ago, and at the same time home production of pork has increased by 100,000 tons a year during this period. As for poultry, in spite of the increase in imports which the hon. and gallant Gentleman mentioned, these are still only about 4 per cent. of total consumption. There is no case here for further restrictions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to augment the export drive, particularly in Eastern Europe.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my Answer to the hon. Member for Swansea, West (Mr. Alan Williams) yesterday. I propose to continue all the facilities now available to help our exporters sell throughout the world, and to improve on them whenever possible. In the particular case of the Soviet Union and the other countries of Eastern Europe with which we have bilateral trade arrangements, the Board of Trade seeks in negotiation to secure the greatest possible market openings for United Kingdom goods.

May I thank my right hon. Friend for that very encouraging reply? It certainly represents a wind of change, and I am very pleased about it. Would my right hon. Friend be prepared to discuss with his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary the problem of the kind of scientific, technological and commercial representations which we have in embassies abroad? In Eastern Europe we have them only in Moscow and Belgrade. Would it not he a good idea if the commercial representatives in Addis Ababa, Manila and Katmandu were sent to Eastern Europe where they could spearhead our export drive to much greater effect?

I should not like to be quite so precise as that, but I do discuss this matter frequently with my right hon. Friend. The main reason for increasing trade with Eastern European countries at the moment is that they are not placing as many orders as they might for British goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make any cost benefit analysis carried out in reaching his decision to move the Patent Office from central London available to Members.

In reaching a decision about this matter, I am taking all relevant considerations, including cost, into account. I do not think, however, that a detailed cost benefit analysis would be profitable.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether he could indicate when a decision on this matter is likely to be made?

Very soon.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the delay in making this decision is causing great uncertainty among all users of the Patent Office, as well as among those employed there? Will he announce a decision as soon as possible?

I realise that delay is always undesirable, but it is also desirable to reach the right decision.

asked the President of Board of Trade whether he will take steps to empower the Registrar of Restrictive Trading Agreements to operate an investigating organisation to secure evidence of clandestine agreements in restriction of trade.

The powers already exercised by the Registrar of Restrictive Trading Agreements have brought a significant number of agreements of the kind envisaged by the hon. Member into the register and before the Restrictive Practices Court. However, the Government are considering whether changes in the law would improve its effectiveness in relation to such agreements.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that for practical as well as psychological reasons it is now necessary to attack the whole concept of restrictive practices and not to be on the defensive here?

I made that criticism when the Government supported by the party opposite introduced the Restrictive Trade Practices Bill. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that some 350 agreements—that is, one in seven—have been brought on to the register by enforcement procedures. Nevertheless, I am still not satisfied with what has been done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will refer to the Restrictive Practices Court the charge of £2 for the green card levied in collusion by all the insurance companies in the United Kingdom.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind my powers to make references to the Monopolies Commission in respect of the supply of services. I shall bear his suggestion in mind in this connection.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this green card was previously issued free, and then some gentlemen got together behind closed doors and decided that everyone should pay £2 for something which is a legal requirement? Is this not an urgent matter?

Yes. I will certainly take note of that. But the restrictive practices legislation previously introduced refers only to goods, whereas our Monopolies Act of the past year includes services, and therefore, if anything has to be done, it will have to be done through these provisions.

May I press the President of the Board of Trade a little further on this? Does he realise that about 1¼ million people go abroad by car each year, which means that about ¾ million cars leave this country, requiring green cards? Does he realise that this is felt very strongly by the ordinary motorist, because different excuses are being given? Does the Minister realise that some of the excuses are clerical and some are administrative, from various Departments? This affects a lot of people——

Even if it does affect a lot of people it must be put concisely.

Will the Minister, therefore, take any steps he considers necessary to rectify this position?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why British exports to the European Economic Community decreased in the first six months of 1965 as compared with the same period in 1964, in view of the fact that those of the other European Free Trade Association countries increased.

To a large extent probably because of differences in the composition of our trade. But it would be unwise to draw any conclusions from so short a period as six months.

Is the President of the Board of Trade not concerned that we are the only E.F.T.A. country whose exports to the Common Market were reduced? Is he aware that this is the first time during a six-month period that our exports to the Common Market have gone down?

We cannot yet say precisely why this one section of our trade moved this way in this period. On the face of it, it looks as though it might have been due to the fact that coal and sugar, whose prices went down during the period, played a large part in our exports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to make available facilities for translation of documents for small firms anxious to export their goods to foreign markets who have no such facilities of their own.

I am not convinced that this is necessary or practicable. Commercial facilities are available, and advice about them can be obtained from trade organisations and the Board of Trade. British missions overseas are always ready to suggest suitable local concerns to undertake this work.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that in small countries dealing with small firms, the facilities, as well as the expense, cause extreme difficulty? Can he not help?

I have investigated this with our posts abroad in Tokyo and elsewhere and they advise me that facilities are available and that they are willing to give information about what is commercially obtainable by any British exporter. If the hon. Gentleman has evidence that this is not working I should be glad to have it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the prices of translations are in direct ratio to the complexity of the language; and, since he has mentioned Japan, is he further aware that this very important market is prejudiced, from our exporters' point of view, by the difficulty of getting translations?

I was assured by our representatives in Tokyo that facilities were available. We cannot go so far as to take on, as a public responsibility, the direct costs of exporting.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what sums have been allocated to shipbuilding and ship-repairing industries in each of the past five years by loans or grants; if he will give details of such sums; and what public control there is in the spending of these moneys.

No public funds have been allocated to the shipbuilding or ship-repairing industries as distinct from assistance for individual firms or organisations within these industries.

Does not my hon. Friend believe that where money is likely to be invested in future we should have adequate control over that spending, particularly in those areas of the shipbuilding industry which are showing signs of failing the nation?

Generally speaking, yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has replied to the letter sent to him on 28th October by East Lothian County Council representing that the western part of the county should be designated a development district; and in what sense.

The Board of Trade Controller in Scotland has replied to the Clerk to the County Council's letter to him of 28th October. He has explained that we were unable to list the area as a development district under the Local Employment Acts, but that we will keep its situation under close review.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, and the reply which he sent to me, may I ask if he is aware that it was a most unsatisfactory reply? Does he offer the county any hope whatever of attracting new industries to the area? I hope that he will give us the general assurance that he will look into this matter again. Will he please do so urgently?

I think that it must be borne in mind, and I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman would agree, that this part of Scotland is very fortunate in having such a relatively low rate of unemployment. It is interesting to note that the unemployment rate in the Mussel-burgh and Tranent area, which was over 3 per cent. a year ago, is now down to 2·5 per cent. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that we will do all that we possibly can to keep the trend in a downward direction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of tablets purporting to be emmenogogues was imported in the years 1962, 1963 and 1964, respectively, from other European countries; and what were their value, cost insurance and freight.

I regret that these goods cannot be separately distinguished in the trade statistics.

Is my hon. Friend aware that these tablets do not do what they purport to do—[Laughter.] I am sorry, I appreciate the cause of the levity, but this is not a funny matter. These tablets purport to bring on a period in the case of a woman who has missed one and who thinks that she is pregnant. Would my hon. Friend consider excluding these from imports and consult with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, both to refer this to the Consumer Council, because this is a swindle worked on an anxious woman, and also to make sure that consumers of these goods know what they are buying?

I think that there are two issues here. I will certainly take up with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. On the other part, dealing with mis-description of consumer goods, this is a matter that can be dealt with under existing legislation—under the Merchandise Marks Acts—and if details are sent to me by the hon. Member I will look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps he intends to take towards solving the problems of the shipbuilding industry, pending receipt of the Geddes Report next year.

The Government are continuing, in the meantime, to press for improvements in productivity, which will help towards a solution of the problems of the industry, and are taking action to meet other difficulties as they arise.

Is the Minister aware that fixed-price contracts have been accepted some way ahead by the industry, based on costs, particularly with regard to labour, that are no longer realistic? Will he keep close watch on the situation?

Certainly.

Will the Minister take steps to advise both the management and the trade union side in the industry of the desirability of setting up joint consultation machinery in order to discuss the problems in the industry as a whole?

Yes, Sir. I have drawn this to the attention of the national representatives of the unions and to the leaders of the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industrial development certificates have been applied for in Dorset during the last year, and how many granted.

Of the eight applications for industrial development certificates in the County of Dorset—other than Poole—in the last year, seven have been approved and one has been withdrawn.

Will the right hon. Gentleman continue to bear in mind the need for light industry in Dorset, despite the needs of other parts of the country?

Where suitable applications come forward we shall certainly consider them sympathetically.

asked the President of of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied with the number of new jobs brought to the North-East during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

I am certainly not yet satisfied, but we have been making good progress. Projects covered by industrial development certificates issued in the 12 months to 31st October, 1965, are expected to provide over 23,000 new jobs. We shall continue our efforts to bring more work to the region, and to help the areas affected by pit closures.

Will by right hon. Friend now repudiate that minority of shortsighted industrialists who are claiming that the area has been over-sold? Is he aware that recently demands to set up new factories in the area have been withdrawn because industrialists have been misled into thinking that there was a shortage of labour?

Yes, Sir. We certainly do not take the view that this area has been oversold.

Is my hon. Friend aware that under the Local Employment Acts as at present drafted, the flow of I.D.Cs. to the North-East draws work away, not only from areas that could well afford it, but from other areas, such as East Anglia and Dorset, which due to their low incomes need factories?

I am sure that my hon. Friend knows that we pay regard to the reasonable requirements of all areas.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any news on what progress is being made in the proposed new industrial estate in the Tees valley?

I opened this a few months ago and it is going ahead very rapidly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will expedite the work of his advisory committee dealing with the application of Captain John Hay of Aberdeen for a grant to enable him to complete the two restaurants concerning which he has had correspondence from, and interviews with, Captain Hay.

The Advisory Committee first considered this application in March, 1964. The Committee required further information but it was not until 25th October, 1965, that the necessary details were received in full. Reports on the application are now being prepared for the Committe's consideration and I hope that a decision will be reached very soon.

While thanking the Minister for the letter which he wrote to me on this subject, may I ask whether he realises that this is very important to the sporting community, who go to Aberdeen in very large numbers, not only in the summer but also in the winter? Will he, therefore, take steps to expedite the work of his Committee?

It is for that reason that we are hoping that an early decision can be arrived at.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on his negotiations with the United States Government to persuade them to drop technical and administrative regulations which militate against British imports, and which reduce and delay the success of the Kennedy Round of tariff reductions.

We have made representations to the United States authorities on a number of occasions about various technical and administrative regulations which hamper the export of certain types of British goods to the United States. We have asked in the Kennedy Round of trade negotiations for the removal of the difficulties caused to our trade by these Regulations.

Would the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to press this point when he goes to the United States? The flow of international trade must be to the good of all nations of the free world, and unless these artificial restrictions are lowered and done away with we shall never make progress in this direction.

We are pressing this point very strongly through the Kennedy Round negotiations, but we will not neglect any method of making our views known.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made concerning the United States Government's practice of relating duties on organic chemicals not to value but to the United States selling price, contrary to the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

We have made representations to the United States authorities over a long period about the effect on British exports of certain benzenoid chemicals of the so-called American selling price system of valuation. In the Kennedy Round of trade negotiations we have placed on record our concern at the damage to our trade caused by this system of valuation, and are pressing for its removal as well as for the full tariff concessions contemplated in the Kennedy Round.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the normal import duty, which may vary between 20 and 40 per cent., is by this practice increased to 100 per cent., and, in certain cases, to 146 per cent.? This is really a punitive import duty and no other country can possibly get over a barrier of this sort. Would the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, strengthen his representations and perhaps consider sanctions, because we cannot go on indefinitely trying to obey the rules ourselves while other great nations use these sorts of malpractices?

Yes. We believe that this is an unreasonable practice and we are pressing our views very strongly.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it is quite unrealistic to expect manufacturers of these and similar materials in this country to welcome the Kennedy Round and to co-operate in progress towards a 50 per cent. reduction when they face this sort of discrimination in what could be principal markets? Will the right hon. Gentleman press this point a little more strongly?

That is why we are raising the so-called non-tariff barriers in the Kennedy Round.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industrial development certificates have been applied for in Wiltshire during the last year; and how many have been granted.

Of the 22 applications made during the year ended 31st October, 1965, 18 have been approved, three have been withdrawn and one has been refused.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many towns in Wiltshire are largely dependent on one industry? Will it be his policy in future to help new industries to come to these towns?

As in the case of Dorset, unemployment in Wiltshire is, happily, very low. In spite of that, we shall consider any project which is suitable for the area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will instruct his Advisory Committees to be less cautious in considering applications from smaller firms in areas where they are badly needed, such as East Cleveland.

No, Sir. I am satisfied that the Advisory Committee's advice and recommendations are fair and reasonable, and in accordance with the objectives of the Local Employment Acts.

Does my right hon. Friend recall that a recent application by a firm which has developed an ironstone mine site at North Skelton was turned down and that the urgency of this matter in my constituency has been increased by the announcement of delay to the projected I.C.I. fibres factory at North Skelton? Will he see what he can do to encourage to a greater extent the introduction of new industry in East Cleveland?

We shall do all we can to encourage the introduction of industry into these areas, but the function of B.O.T.A.C. is to give views not on the distribution of industry policy generally, but on the suitability and viability of particular firms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is a branch of the Export Services Department in Scotland.

The Board of Trade Office for Scotland is responsible for export promotion work in Scotland. The export section of that office provides a full range of Government services for exporters in the closest collaboration not only with the Export Services Branch but with all other branches of the Board of Trade concerned with export promotion work.

Will the right hon. Gentleman none the less try to make more easily accessible to firms in the north of Scotland, many of which export a large percentage of their production, information and advice on the mechanics of exporting as conditions change?

There are about 10 full-time regional export officers in every regional office of the Board of Trade, and they are in direct Telex communication with the Export Services Branch in London. Therefore, the right course for any firm in Scotland is to get directly in touch with the Scottish office of the Board of Trade in Glasgow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is his policy to increase United Kingdom participation in trade fairs overseas.

Yes, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea, West (Mr. Alan Williams) yesterday.

Does the available evidence show a direct relationship between increased efforts at fairs and exhibitions abroad and improved exports?

Yes. There is increasing evidence to this effect, but it is sometimes difficult to judge. We are, however, applying all the tests we can, and so far they are pretty encouraging.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he might well be advised to consider employing a psychologist for these fairs? At the recent successful Tokyo exhibition, the Japanese showed surprise at the exhibition of British bulldogs and Lord Montague's antique cars, which did not illustrate much evidence of British exporting prowess.

I did not notice those exhibits, but I did notice the exhibit of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the pit closures pending in West Durham, if he will establish a trading estate in the area affected.

The Board of Trade already owns some 430 acres in West Durham and Aycliffe suitable for industrial development. I shall not hesitate to take the necessary steps to purchase more land should it be needed.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he will bear in mind that, as a result of the announcements last week by the National Coal Board, it is estimated that there will be 8,000 fewer jobs in West Durham? Therefore, the need for a planned industrial estate is more urgent than ever.

Yes. But we have already extended the development districts in this area. There are already industrial estates at Aycliffe, Shildon, West Auckland and Team Valley, not far from West Durham. In addition, we are building two advance factories, one of which is in my hon. Friend's constituency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the advance factory at Crook to be completed; and if a suitable tenant, employing male labour, has been selected.

The advance factory at Crook is expected to be ready by the end of January and I hope that we shall be able to find a tenant who will provide jobs for men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what study he has made of the reasons for the 4 per cent. increase in exports during 1964.

Our export performance is under continuous study. An analysis of United Kingdom exports in 1964 was given in the Board of Trade Journal of 29th January, 1965; and a review of our exports in 1964 in relation to those of our main competitors will be published in this weeks' issue of the Board of Trade Journal.

As a result of the President of the Board of Trade's study, can he tell us whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer was right in column 1277 of the OFFICIAL REPORT of 17th November in saying that our exports were virtually flat in 1964, whether the Government publications were right when they said that there was an increase of 4 per cent., or whether the President of the Board of Trade was right in column 1136 of the OFFICIAL REPORT of 29th November when he said that the increase was 5 per cent.?

According to the latest information which has been given to me, the figure is 5 per cent. The interesting point is that the figure was 5 per cent. in 1964, when there was a world trade increase of 15 per cent., whereas this year, with a world trade increase of 7 per cent., our exports have increased by 6½ per cent.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the great increase in industrial costs militating against an increase in exports in 1966?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we are pursuing an incomes and prices policy—I hope with the support of hon. Members opposite.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an estimate of the total expenditure on advertising in the United Kingdom for 1964 and of the total amount spent in the same year on sales promotions, of all forms, by British firms in overseas markets.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to give any estimate for 1964.

In view of the fact that the Government hope to solve our balance of payments problem and that next year the payments will be in balance, what is the Department doing to reduce the time, energy and money spent in selling goods in this country and encouraging firms to do more abroad?

My right hon. Friend announced yesterday details of a new scheme to encourage firms to make greater use of co-operative schemes for overseas advertising. We think that this will help a great deal. I am not sure that overseas trade promotion would necessarily be encouraged by limiting domestic advertising.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to ratify the proposal for the grant to the United States Government of a waiver to Article I of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in respect of United States imports of motor cars from Canada.

The contracting parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade are considering a request from the Government of the United States of America for a waiver from their obligations under Article I of the General Agreement, to enable them to remove their duties on imports of cars from Canada without extending this benefit to imports from any other countries. I am not yet able to say how the United Kingdom Government will vote on the proposed waiver.

In considering this request, will the President of the Board of Trade bear in mind that the United States have said that it is designed so that there should be no damaging effect on other exporters to the United States? Can he explain how a special preferential tariff for Canada can possibly have other than damaging effects on others?

We have told the United States and, indeed, the Canadian Governments quite frankly that we do not like this arrangement and would much prefer to see the United States remove their tariff on car imports altogether, but I can assure the hon. Member that we shall not accept this arrangement unconditionally.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will set up an inquiry under Section 165(b,iii) of the Companies Act, 1948, into the take-over of Lewis's Investment Trust by the British Shoe Corporation, whose members have not been given all the information they might reasonably expect.

On the information at present available to me there do not appear to be grounds for appointing an inspector under Section 165(b,iii) of the Companies Act, 1948, to investigate the affairs of British Shoe Corporation Ltd.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is some disquiet amongst British Shoe Corporation shareholders about the future earning prospects under the new régime and also about their voting rights? Is he also aware that the older employees of Lewis's are most disturbed about their future prospects?

I can only say to my hon. Friend that we have no information which would justify us in acting under the Section of the Companies Act which my hon. Friend has mentioned. If he has any such information we shall, of course, be glad to look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that he will not use his powers in the field of monopolies and mergers or under the Companies Act, 1948, to discourage take-overs such as that of Lewis's Investment Trust by the British Shoe Corporation.

The Board of Trade will use its powers under the Monopolies and Mergers Act 1965, only where take-overs appear to be against the public interest. Individual cases are considered on their merits.

While having no particular love for Mr. Clore, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend agrees that it does not help either employees, shareholders or the nation for him to do anything at all which would in any way discourage this sort of take-over of boards of directors who are by any standards inefficient? Will he, therefore, take all possible steps to encourage take-overs of this type of board?

In our view, some take-overs are desirable and some are not. That is the policy which we are pursuing.

Will the President of the Board of Trade use extreme care in the powers that have been given to him, because the criticism that was made by this side of the House when he made his announcement that this type of merger was likely to cease has proved right in 50 per cent. of the cases dealt with so far?

I will certainly take care without accepting all that the hon. Member has said in the last part of his question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to promote the exports of British nuclear power, particularly in view of developments of the advanced gas-cooled reactor; and what action he is taking to promote such achievements in countries in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, where there is declared policy for increased energy supply by nuclear means and expansion in industry.

All overseas missions, including those in Eastern Europe, have been fully informed of British achievements in nuclear power, particularly the development of the advanced gas-cooled reactor. They are doing all they can to see that these achievements are widely known. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and the United Kingdom manufacturers are also very active in promoting our exports; and the Board of Trade are doing everything possible to support these efforts.

I am sure that industry will welcome the statement which my right hon. Friend has made, but would he also take into account the export potential to some 10 countries overseas where there is a good grid system and expanding industry and also a high electrical demand where A.G.R. can certainly be of great interest? Furthermore—[HON. MEMBERS: "Too long."]—would he consider sales outlets to a potential 30 countries where the steam generated heavy water reactor could prove of great interest in sizes of, say, 350 to 400 megawatt units? Can my right hon. Friend look at such opportunities and consult the Minister of Technology to see what can be done to promote the sale of hardware and technology?

There were prominent exhibits by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority at both the Milan and Tokio exhibitions. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are now devising a pavilion of science and technology, which will be a companion to the City of London pavilion, for use at future British fairs and exhibitions overseas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements were made by him for and during the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret to the United States of America; and at what cost.

None, Sir. Her Royal Highness visited promotions of British goods at shops in New York and Los Angeles, and attended British fashion shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco. These arrangements were not, however, made by my Department, and no costs in connection with Her Royal Highness' visit were incurred by the Board.

Does that Answer mean that the costs were incurred by other Departments? Can my right hon. Friend say whether there was any initiative on the part of his Department when this trip was first suggested? Or did the initiative come from elsewhere? Can he say what return we are going to get from it—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—and will he say whether the Labour Government are going to stop conniving at this kind of extravagant nonsense by this very expensive young lady?

Shame.

My hon. Friend must address questions about other Departments' expenditure to those Departments, but from the reports I have this visit was of assistance to British exports—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—in other parts of the United States, and I can assure my hon. Friend that if he had visited Amsterdam during the British Week, as I did, he would agree with me that Her Royal Highness made an immense contribution.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that all items of public expenditure are something for which, rightly or wrongly, the Government, and no one else, must take responsibility, and is it not highly unfortunate that backhanded attempts should be made to attack other people who themselves are not responsible for Government expenditure?

I think that my hon. Friend is justified in calling any Minister to account for expenditure for which he is responsible, but it so happened that in this case I was not responsible.

Does my right hon. Friend anticipate any increase of exports of Scotch whisky as a result of this, and will they be enough to pay the costs of the "Britannia"?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is "Yes", and to the second part of the question, "I do not know."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now refer to the Monopolies Commission the monopoly situation existing in the boot and shoe industry, on both the manufacturing and distribution sides.

There is no monopoly in the manufacture of boots and shoes. One firm has a large share of retail distribution, but this is not so large as to satisfy the legal conditions for reference to the Monopolies Commission.

Will my right hon. Friend have a look at this again? Is he aware, that, for example, many shoppers visiting shoe shops in various shopping centres of the country fondly imagine they are shopping at different shops, although, in fact, they are not?

I have looked at this very carefully, and the fact is that at present the number of shoes sold through British Shoe Corporation shops is less than one-quarter of total sales; therefore, it does not at present come under the legal definition of a monopoly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make it the policy of Her Majesty's Government to ratify all agreements on common international standards which are arrived at by international conferences in which United Kingdom representatives have taken part.

The great majority of international standards are recommended by international organisations on which the United Kingdom is represented by the British Standards Institution and not by the Government. The decision on adoption therefore rests with the Institution. In the limited field of intergovernmental agreements on standards, it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to ratify agreements reached by conferences in which the United Kingdom has taken part unless there are strong reasons to the contrary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this applies to many conventions? We, for example, are in breach of the International Telecommunications Convention, but we are also, I think, the only country in the world to classify bicycles which have 49 c.c. engines as motor bicycles. Is it Government policy to work towards not only ratifying but conformity with the conventions?

The first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question should be addressed to the Postmaster-General who is in charge of this field of work. I understand that with regard to motor bicycles we are working very closely indeed with the appropriate international organisations. If there are any representations which the hon. Member cares to make on that point I shall be very glad to look at them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what stocks of Rhodesian tobacco are at present available in the United Kingdom; and by what date it is anticipated that these stocks will have been exhausted by manufacturers.

Stocks of Rhodesian tobacco in the United Kingdom are good for the time of year. When they will be exhausted depends upon the rate at which manufacturers consider it prudent to use them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman have consultations with the industry in order that when it becomes necessary to replace stocks with stocks from some other country we shall not have an increase in the price of tobacco to the consuming public?

Yes, we are in continuous consultation with the tobacco industry, and that is, indeed, one reason why stocks are so good as they are now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when, and in what quantity, he expects a shortfall in normal requirements of Rhodesian tobacco; and whether he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will not allow the United Kingdom's balance of trade with the dollar area to be adversely affected as a result of the cessation of Rhodesian tobacco imports.

The 1964–5 crop of Rhodesian tobacco has already been sold, and purchases of the 1965–6 crop would normally begin next spring. Whether there will be a shortfall in Rhodesian supplies next year cannot at present be foreseen. Any transfer of import purchases from one country to another is bound to affect our balance of trade with both countries; but our overall balance of payments is not significantly affected by the source from which we purchase our tobacco requirements.

Rather than add to any adverse balance of trade with the dollar area, will the Government be considering taking steps to reduce the national consumption of tobacco?

We shall take every necessary step to improve our balance of payments. Since, however, the previous Government made sterling convertible, it does not make a great deal of difference whether imports are bought from the dollar area or elsewhere.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the impediment to Great Britain's export trade provided by the operation of the strategic embargo list; and if he will take immediate steps to remove these restrictions.

The purpose of the embargo is to deny to Communist countries goods of atomic, military and strategic value. It is imposed jointly by the N.A.T.O. countries, except Iceland, and by Japan. The list has been considerably shortened in recent years, and it is the Government's policy when it is reviewed each year to reduce it as much as possible consistently with our own and our allies' strategic interests.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many respects, particularly in engineering and technology, items in which Britain is ahead of America at present are kept on the strategic list to the detriment of our export trade, and in view of my right hon. Friend's very welcome conversion to the need to improve our trade with Eastern Europe, will he stand up to the Americans and end this dictatorship of our export trade?

We are now considering a number of suggestions for the removal of items from this list. I am hopeful we shall make progress.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will reduce the quota for the import of apples and pears in December, January, and February, and give an equivalent increase in March, April, and May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take to limit imports of apples to ensure that the home producer has a fair and reasonable opportunity to compete in the pre-Christmas market.

I would refer the hon. Members to the Answer my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Prior) on 25th November.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the producing of apples and pears is a very long-term process, and that many producers are now getting a very small return and that if they do not get help they may opt out, so that housewives will be at the mercy of the foreign exporters?

I am aware of that, but we do not see a case at present for increasing the severity of these restrictions on imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are his further short-and long-term plans for increasing trade and industry in northeast Scotland.

My aims for north-east Scotland continue to be the active encouragement of trade and industry by making full use in the development districts there of my powers under the Local Employment Acts to assist the establishment of new industries and the expansion of those already existing.

In thanking my right hon. Friend for his successful efforts and visits to Aberdeen, may I ask him to particularise the factories which he has in mind and the trades which fall within his immediate plan?

As my hon. and learned Friend knows, we are proposing to build a new advance factory in Aberdeen. I am glad to say that under the present Government, unemployment in Aberdeen, as in most parts of the country, has fallen during the past year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will announce details of the textiles imports quota from Hong Kong which is due to come into force in 1966.

I have agreed that Hong Kong may after 1st January export up to half the quota which I have proposed for her in 1966. This will keep trade moving while international discussions are proceeding on my proposals as a whole.

Will the President of the Board of Trade give a positive assurance that this loyal and tremendously efficient Colony will not get another kick in the teeth such as he gave it recently on the carry-over question?

Obviously, the hon. Member is badly informed on this matter.

Will the President of the Board of Trade nevertheless recognise that Hong Kong, being a Colonial Dependency and, therefore, relying entirely on us in the Geneva negotiations, should be represented effectively and that her interests, which are vital to her continuing prosperity, should be specially the care of the right hon. Gentleman?

Yes, certainly, we recognise a special obligation to Hong Kong. That is why we are offering a quota which is based on the previous figure but will allow for growth year by year.

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that the home industry has its case, too?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take under anti-dumping legislation regarding the import of poultry meat from Denmark.

The National Farmers' Unions and the National Association of Poultry Packers have applied for antidumping action in respect of imports of chicken meat from Denmark. As the applicants have been informed, the Board of Trade has completed its investigations and is discussing with the Danish authorities the possibilities of a satisfactory solution.

Does the President of the Board of Trade realise that the longer these discussions continue, the worse the position goes? Will he make it his special care to try to get a decision as quickly as possible to protect this industry?

I made this perfectly clear to the Danish authorities in Copenhagen at the recent E.F.T.A. meeting.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet found a tenant for the advance factory built this year at Camelford, Cornwall.

No, Sir. This factory is expected to be ready for occupation next summer. We are endeavouring to find a suitable tenant.