asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a full and detailed statement of the progress now being made with the South-Eastern Asia Development Plan originated at the Colombo Conference; and to what extent the pursuance of this plan will be affected by the decisions of the Conference of Commonwealth Finance Ministers.

A meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Colombo Plan for cooperative development in South and South-East Asia is being held in Karachi in ten days' time. Most of the delegations will be led by ministers. It is expected that a report will subsequently be published which, among other things, will set out in detail the progress which has been made to date on the programmes of the individual countries concerned. Full and detailed information on such progress is not at the moment available in the United Kingdom; I understand, however, that many of the projects included in the programmes are now under way. As the hon. Member is aware, the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Finance Ministers' meeting emphasised the need for developing the productive power of the sterling area.

With respect, does the hon. and learned Gentleman think that that is a reply to the Question? Surely it is known whether the proposals made at the Colombo Conference are being carried out—[Interruption.] I hear an interjection that they cannot be, and that is what we suspect. We are entitled to know, and would the hon. and learned Member tell us why Her Majesty's Government are not aware of the progress which has been made up to now?

I said that full and detailed information was not available in the United Kingdom, but at the moment a delegation is considering the whole matter in Karachi.

May I ask my hon. and learned Friend who will provide all the money for this ambitious project?

That is another question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on the progress of the cattle ranching scheme in Northern Bechuanaland; and whether he is satisfied that adequate provision has been made in case of drought.

The Colonial Development Corporation will publish details of the progress of this scheme in their annual report for 1951. Provision against drought is a matter of ranch management; the project is still in its very early stages, but I understand that the Corporation are satisfied that reasonable precautions will be taken.

But in my Question I asked the Under-Secretary whether he is satisfied that sufficient provision has been made against the possibility of drought? Experts are saying openly that no provision has been made. Will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell us what is his own view on this matter?

The Corporation must be liable for the precautions, and I understand from the Corporation that reasonable precautions will be taken.

What precautions have been taken?

The detailed precautions are a matter for the Corporation.

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that his noble Friend is, of course, responsible for the broad direction of this project, and will he bear in mind that the tendency of people engaged in this sort of thing is to start off on too big a scale[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]—it will be just the same now as it was in the past—and also the necessity of seeing that their experiments are kept small enough and no bigger than is necessary to establish the facts?

I will naturally bring that point to the attention of my noble Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps have so far been taken to set up a Commonwealth Council, so as to deal rapidly and effectively with problems of common interest as they arise.

The United Kingdom Government have always been ready to expand and develop existing machinery for Commonwealth consultation. My hon. Friend will, however, no doubt recall the statement in the communiqué issued by the 1946 Prime Ministers' meeting which says that the methods now practised are preferable to any rigid centralised machinery. There is no reason to believe that there has been any subsequent change in the views of other members of the Commonwealth.

I did not mention anything about a rigid system. Would not my hon. and learned Friend consider that such an organisation as is proposed in the Question would be more effective than the somewhat loose liaison system now in force?

No, Sir. The only effective means are means which are acceptable to all members of the Commonwealth.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of the imports of leather footwear from Eire in the last six months of 1951; and how far British exports to Eire enjoyed the unrestricted entry accorded to Eireann imports into this country.

Three hundred and forty-two thousand pairs of leather footwear, valued at £400,000 were imported from the Irish Republic during the last six months of 1951. Imports of leather footwear into the Irish Republic are subject to quantitative restriction, a single quota being fixed annually for imports from all sources. During 1951 the United Kingdom supplied the bulk of leather footwear imported into the Republic within the quota of 20,000 pairs.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise how serious and unfair this is to the British footwear trade? Will he take immediate steps to see that any arrangements between this country and Eire are on a reciprocal basis?

It would, of course, be fair to say that we have a very much bigger share of their market than they have of ours.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that most countries tax the import of rayon on the basis of its being a silk product; if he has considered the deterrent effect this has upon our export of rayon goods: and what steps he is taking to bring the classification more in line with the present use and cost of rayon.

Yes, Sir. We shall continue to press overseas Governments as opportunity offers to reduce their duties on rayon by reclassification or otherwise as may be most appropriate.

Is my right hon. Friend able to say what has happened since the previous representations were made on this issue?

Naturally, we have not been as successful as we should wish —nobody ever is—but it has to be remembered that our own system of import duties places rayon rather nearer to silk than to cotton.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the non-remittable earnings of United States film producers in the United Kingdom have been expended.

During the period 14th June, 1948, when the first Anglo-American Film Agreement came into operation, to 31st December, 1951, United States film companies spent £22–23 million of their unremittable film earnings. This money has been applied to the various purposes specified in the Agreement, in particular, to film production in the sterling area, which has accounted for over £8 million of the total expenditure. Other expenditure has included the acquisition of distribution rights of British films, payments for prints, and for personal services, travel and living expenses.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible for American interests to remit earnings from the re-investment of the blocked earnings?

I understand that the total amount of remittable earnings is fixed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made any estimate of the extra expense which will be caused to industry in the area affected through the higher tariffs proposed by the Southern Electricity Board, due in part to reduced consumption by consumers.

No, Sir. I have no information which would enable an estimate to be given of what additional charges may have to be borne by a wide variety of industry as a result of any increase which may be made in these tariffs.

As these higher tariffs are most burdensome on industry and also on the home, is there any possibility of de-nationalisation or has the damage been done?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by the committee of the Clothing Industry Development Council in looking into the problem of informative labelling of clothing as an aid to maximum serviceability.

I understand that substantial progress has been made by the Clothing Industry Development Council in the difficult task of securing general agreement on the use of trade descriptions which could be embodied in a labelling scheme for the information of consumers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in favour of some system under which articles will have some sort of definition which will indicate to purchasers whether or not the goods should be sent to the cleaners?

We may be discussing these matters later in the afternoon.

I have been caught that way before, Mr. Speaker. Could I now have an answer "Yes" or "No" to that very simple question, which later might be lost in a welter of words?

I know the very proper interest which the hon. Gentleman has in this subject, and I can assure him that I have paid great attention to the speeches he has made upon it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the increasing amount of clothing now being made which is not up to standard; that concern has been expressed at this state of affairs by the Scottish Light Clothing Manufacturers' Association; and what action he proposes to deal with this problem.

I have no evidence that the amount of sub-standard clothing on sale to the public is increasing, and no representations on this subject have been made to my Department by the Scottish Light Clothing Manufacturers' Association.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what articles have been freed from price control by his Department since the present Government took office.

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply indicate that the list is so extensive that it has to be published rather than read out in this House, and will he not agree that at a time when, by cutting imports, we are reducing supplies, this is another betrayal of the Government's promise in the Election to keep down the cost of living and to protect the consumer?

I am glad to say that the list involves some 27 classes of goods. It was put into effect by seven Orders. In many cases the prices have gone down rather than up. The whole operation was carried out in consultation with the Central Price Regulation Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House some examples where prices have gone down and an indication of what guarantee he has that they will not go up as a result of the policy of the Government?

Was not the object of de-controlling these articles to encourage competition and thus reduce prices?

In present circumstances, if necessary, would the right hon. Gentleman re-introduce price control?

Certainly. I will watch the position constantly. If there were a need for price control we should impose it; but it is foolish to use price control when market conditions do not call for it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the work of, or the results achieved by, the National Research Development Corporation.

The second annual report of the Corporation (H/C. 83, 1951–52 Session) published on 12th February gives a full and factual statement of the work in hand. In my opinion the Corporation have made satisfactory progress in bringing inventions into use and have laid the foundations of what will, I am sure, be a valuable long-term investment in British inventiveness.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage cuts in the purchase of dollar tobacco are being made in 1952 on 1951 purchases from the United States of America and Canada, respectively.

Our purchases of dollar tobacco in 1952 will be substantially less than in 1951, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the cut will not fall proportionately more heavily on Canada than on the United States.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by the Departmental Committee set up to consider the proposal that a consumer advisory service should be established.

No such committee has been set up.

As the predecessor of the right hon. Gentleman said in July last that such a committee would be set up if time permitted, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that now that the Utility scheme has been scrapped such a service is essential to the consumers of this country?

The question of the Utility scheme is something which we certainly shall be discussing later.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quota of new potatoes is allowed into the country during the first six months of this year.

New potatoes can be imported without quota restriction from certain countries under open general licence, but this licence is subject to suspension during the main season for marketing the home crop. It is proposed this year to suspend the open general licence for new potatoes from 1st June to 31st July, during which period no imports will be licensed: these arrangements are subject to review in the light of supplies available from home production.

Why cannot we have British potatoes all the year round? Does my right hon. Friend agree that new potatoes are a luxury and that we can grow very good potatoes in this country? Will he do all he can, if not this year then next, to encourage farmers to grow enough potatoes so that we do not have to import new potatoes at this time of the year?

I am always perfectly willing to enter into discussions with the National Farmers' Union or other interested parties to see that the whole problem is considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the excessive profits being made by monopolistic practices on the part of car accessories manufacturers; and if he will refer the matter to the Monopolies Commission for investigation.

Without expressing any opinion on the allegations in the first part of the Question, I think that there is evidence that this matter comes within the scope of the Monopolies Act, and I will consider it when I next select matters to refer to the Commission.

In thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, might I ask him whether he is aware that sparking plugs costing 6d. each are sold to the motorist at 5s. to 5s. 6d. each and that on the sale of upper cylinder lubricants the dealers make a profit of 82 per cent.?

Those are, of course, the kind of matters which should be considered by the Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give comparable value of exports of nylon stockings this year, with exports 1949 and 1950, and how far these exports reveal recent changes in denier texture.

Exports of nylon stockings in January, as recorded in the Trade and Navigation Accounts, totalled £446,000, compared with a monthly average of £247,000 during 1949 and of £458,000 in 1950. These figures do not include exports by parcel post. The trade returns do not show the texture of the nylon stockings exported.

I am not good at mental arithmetic when I am on my feet, and am not able to distinguish the exact difference between these exports. Could the Minister give any indication whether it is true to say that the 15-denier stocking is not popular now, and that our customers abroad are preferring the 30-denier stocking?

It is very difficult to differentiate between the various types of stocking, but the 15-denier is what is known as sheer, and the 30-denier stands up to harder use. I would not be prepared on these figures to differentiate between the two.

Could I ask the right hon. Gentleman if we are exporting the 30-denier stocking, and if he would consider having a large quantity of them made available for British women, who prefer the harder-wearing stocking? Would it be possible to have a bigger output from the manufacturers of 30-denier stockings, so that all women, both at home and abroad, would be satisfied?

Never.

Would the right hon. Gentleman have a sample of these stockings placed in the Library, so that we may see for ourselves?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken to prevent overcharging in regard to the sale of nylon stockings, and particularly those of sub-standard quality which are not so revealed at time of purchase.

Prices of nylon stockings are controlled. During the last nine months there were 311 prosecutions for overcharging on nylon stockings, but I am unable to say how many of these were concerned with sub-standard articles.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a common practice to charge 12s. 6d. for sub-standard stockings that should be sold at 6s. 6d., and would it not be possible to have the substandard mark on the welt of the stocking so that women would know whether the article was sub-standard or not?

I understand that manufacturers normally sell nylons which are marked as imperfect or "seconds" at the reduced price.

The mark is not visible to the customer. It may be in the agreement between the shopkeeper and the maker, but it is certainly not known to the person making the purchase.

Is it not time that nylon stockings were decontrolled, in view of the present state of supplies, and all these criticisms obviated?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the anticipated output of nylon yarn for 1952 compared with 1951; whether all required capital investment for the industry will be permitted during 1952, in view of the foreign currency earning potentialities of nylon products; and what increase of nylon stockings for the home market can be anticipated this year.

I understand that production at the moment is running at the rate of about 10 million lb. a year. As this yarn is produced by one firm only, I do not think that it would be proper for me to disclose detailed figures of their output in 1951 and estimated output in 1952.

With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement on capital investment which was made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29th January. I cannot say whether it will be possible to fit all projects for expansion in this industry into the programme, but in considering these, due regard will, of course, be had to the importance of nylon both for export trade and for defence. Within the limited total production, requirements for defence and export must be given first call on supplies and I am not able to say how much yarn will be available this year for making stockings for the home market.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the decentralisation of industry from London and the inner urban areas.

Since 1948, 61 new factories, equivalent to a floor area of approximately 1½ million square feet, have been built or are being built in the new towns or on L.C.C. estates for firms from inner London. Forty more projects have been given industrial development certificates; six of these have so far been given building licences, but work has not yet commenced.

These figures take no account of a large number of factories built since the war for London firms in the development areas and in other parts of the country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great importance of accelerating this process of industrial decentralisation if we are ever to solve the housing problem and the overcrowding which exists in London and the surrounding area?

I am, of course, well aware of the problem, but the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that difficulties of capital investment do put some term and limit on its solution.

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that some of the people whom I represent, in one of the apparently forgotten areas of Lancashire, view with great concern the continued growth and expansion of London, which they regard as being at the expense of provincial areas which have been designated as Development Areas, but which are not getting a fair allocation of new industries, for which we have pleaded for so long?

The interests of Lancashire will certainly not be forgotten.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give any further information on the trade agreement with Germany; and, in particular, what increase in imports of steel scrap may be expected in comparison to last year.

Yes, Sir. The new agreement with Germany, which was signed on 4th March, has effect for the 12 months up to 31st December next. The agreement relates for the most part to the provision of quotas for goods which are subject to import restrictions in either country. In view of the reversal since last year in the balance of trade and payments between Germany and the sterling area, the quotas for United Kingdom and colonial exports to Germany are increased, and the quotas for our own imports from Germany are reduced, in relation to the levels provided for in 1951.

The question of supplies of steel scrap was not discussed in the negotiations. German exports of steel scrap to this country are covered by a separate agreement, concluded last September between the German Federal Chancellor and the United States and United Kingdom High Commissioners in Germany, under which a percentage of Germany's exportable surplus is guaranteed to the United States and the United Kingdom until next June.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steel industry in Scotland is suffering grievously as a result of the inadequate provisions in regard to steel scrap made in the negotiations by his predecessor, and is there any hope that the situation may be improved?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the details of this trade agreement are published in any official publication which is available to hon. Members of this House?

I do not think there is any secret about supplies of scrap. Does the right hon. Gentleman mean the agreement or the scrap?

The agreement.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that Question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider introducing legislation to ensure that mattresses and upholstered furniture carry marks or labels stating the nature of the filling material used in their manufacture.

I am considering most carefully the best means to ensure that the public can identify good quality mattresses and furniture, but I am not convinced that legislation of the kind suggested by the hon. Member is the best means of achieving this.

Does not the President think that it is necessary that the public should be aware that much of the filling material in mattresses is not new, but second-hand rag flock material?

I certainly think that arrangements are necessary to safeguard the production of reasonable quality in the case of mattresses, but I am not satisfied that the precise method suggested by the hon. Member is necessarily the best one.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the serious effect on the public in Scotland, and on the retail furniture trade there, as a result of the high and inequitable freight charges imposed by the British Transport Commission on furniture carried from the manufacturers in the South of England to Scotland; and if he will make representations to the Transport Commission with a view to remedying this.

I am aware that these charges have been increased. The Transport Act, 1947, provides opportunities for the making of representations about charges through the Transport Users' Consultative Committees, and I suggest that the matter should be pursued through those channels.

As efforts have already been made to represent these difficulties, will the Minister give further consideration to the question that he should exert a little pressure in the interests of the retail furniture trade in Scotland?

To start with, I think we might try the usual channels and the consultative committee once more.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the furniture industry in Scotland is world famous and that in my constituency there are certain factories whose products are well known; and presently, when we have unemployment, will the right hon. Gentleman refuse to aid the importation into Scotland of shabby furniture, which would make the unemployment there even greater?

I do not think we can keep transport charges specially high in order to prevent all furniture from entering Scotland.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the furniture trade have made representations through the proper channels and that they have got no answer at all? Will he expedite consideration of the matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is his present policy with regard to the furniture and bedding Utility schemes.

I would ask the hon. Member to await the statement on this subject which I hope to make in the course of the debate today.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendations of the Lloyd Jacob Committee on Resale Price Maintenance.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 28th February to the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick).

That is not the Question which I asked. The hon. Member for Uxbridge asked what legislation the right hon. Gentleman was intending to produce, and I am asking the Minister if he intends to take any action in this matter. Perhaps he will tell us that?

The answer is, as the hon. Member knows, that the matter is extremely complex, and that it is still under consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Trades Union Congress has come out in favour of price maintenance as a means of avoiding a price-cutting war, which would do harm both to shopkeepers and customers alike?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this committee proposed both the re-institution of competition and the reduction of prices in retail trade, and will the right hon. Gentleman remember that, on both these matters, explicit promises were made at the General Election, or is it the case that all the promises have been forgotten?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his predecessor issued a White Paper on this subject, and that it is very desirable, from the point of view of the trade, that the attitude of the new Government should be made clear.

Although the President says that these are very complicated matters, is he not aware that his predecessor gave an undertaking that action would be taken, and, if that undertaking could be given then, why can it not be given now?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will re-introduce price control of dry batteries so that many old people and others without electricity supply in their homes are not disadvantaged by comparison with those who already have this service.

No, Sir. Supplies of batteries are adequate, and there is no reason to think that control would result in lower prices than those now being charged.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Regulations require the purchaser of a motor cycle by hire purchase to make his repayments over a shorter period than the purchaser of a motor car.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. W. W. Astor) on 26th February.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this discrimination imposes quite severe hardships on many constituents of mine, and, I am sure, on those of other hon. Members, who use motor cycles to get to work which is of real national importance?

I am familiar with the argument, and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for the location of more industries within the industrial estate at Kilwinning.

Many industrial developments have taken place in the Kilwinning—Kilmarnock area in recent years and it was decided by the previous Government to defer further building on the Kilwinning industrial estate and to hold the available land in reserve for possible future development. The shortage of steel and the need to restrict capital investment are such that I do not think I would be justified at the moment in reversing this decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my constituents in the borough and in the local district of Kilwinning have grave fears about future unemployment? Is he further aware that between the wars this was a distressed area and is now listed as a development area? Is he still further aware that Kilmarnock is a long distance from Kilwinning, and that this answer is the result of having a British Minister for Scottish Questions who does not even know the geography of the area he is talking about?

I am at least aware of some of the propositions which the hon. Gentleman puts forward. I have not said that the matter is outside consideration. I have said it was deferred by the previous Government and that for the moment I do not propose to reverse that decision.

Will my right hon. Friend continue to bear in mind the interests of Lancashire?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, since the sugar agreement with Cuba in 1951 to purchase 1,500,000 tons of Cuban sugar over a three-year period, the Cuban Government has continued to levy a freight tax of 6⅓ per cent. of the gross freight on all shipments of sugar to the United Kingdom; and what expenditure in dollars has been incurred so far to meet this freight tax.

I understand that this tax is a revenue tax levied on all exports irrespective of destination. It is a combination of taxes on income and on freight and passenger fares which date back to 1928 and 1932 and have been several times increased, and it has no particular relevance either to sugar or to the Anglo-Cuban Trade Agreement. My right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food estimates at 364,789 dollars the element in the freight charges for our purchases of Cuban sugar which is attributable to this levy between 10th August last, the date of the trade agreement, and the 29th February, 1952.

In view of this new tax—I think my right hon. Friend agrees that it is a new one—and the dollar cost of loading sugar, would the Minister consider doing all possible to switch our purchases of supplies of sugar to non-dollar sources, particularly from the Commonwealth and Empire?

This is not a new tax; it has been on for a very long time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take in order to mitigate the drastic effects on the Lancashire cotton trade of the import cuts proposed by the Australian Government.

For balance of payments reasons which Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom fully understand, the Australian Government have found it necessary to restrict imports of cotton textiles and many other goods to the level of 20 per cent. of the imports during the year July, 1950, to June, 1951. These restrictions must, I regret to say, increase very seriously the difficulties with which the cotton industry in Lancashire is already faced. I am confident that the cotton industry will do its utmost to offset the effect of these restrictions by increasing their exports to other markets. I know the difficulties of doing this at the present time, and I am in constant touch with the Cotton Board on the subject.

Does the Minister's reply mean that the Government have really done nothing and do not intend to do anything? Does not the Minister realise that this was our best Dominion market, that we have lost £26 million, and that on top of the Japanese menace this is a staggering blow to Lancashire? Markets once lost cannot be recovered.

I have not sought in my reply to under-estimate the effect of this particular Australian cut upon the textile industry of Lancashire.

Will not my right hon. Friend undertake to make representations to the Government of Australia who may not have been fully aware of the crippling blow which this represents not only to Lancashire textiles, but to many other industries as well? Does he realise that everybody concerned believes that if he made firm representations to Australia it would have some effect?

We are in discussion with the Australian Government about some aspects of the administration of these cuts, into which I cannot go in full detail in question and answer, but I hope to have an opportunity of saying something about it a little later on.

Though we well realise the necessity for the Australian Government to cut down their balance of payments deficit, did not the British Government at the Commonwealth Conference in January try to arrange that imports from outside the sterling area should be the ones selected for the cuts rather than those doing most harm to this country?

Clearly, from the United Kingdom's point of view, it would be much more satisfactory if cuts could be imposed on goods other than those from the United Kingdom. But as the hon. Gentleman is aware, the situation in Australia was such that some sharp decline in United Kingdom exports to that country was inevitable.

But did not we make that point in January to the Australian Government?

The arrangement with the Australian Government was set out fully in the communiqué issued at the time which set out the objective of each country in the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth as a whole as regards balancing its account, and left it to the individual countries to decide the best way in which to achieve that end.

Does not my right hon. Friend appreciate that the industry in Lancashire really requires representations in respect of a much wider field than merely on the administrative machinery involved, and will he reconsider his attitude on this question?

I am in contact with the Cotton Board on this matter.

I beg to give notice that in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment. [Laughter.]

I note the general amusement in the House. It will not be shared in Lancashire. The other day—

I take it that the hon. Member is speaking to a point of order?

Yes, Sir. The other day I asked your leave to ask a Question about this subject by Private Notice. I was refused leave on the ground that Questions would be asked about it today, that I ought not to anticipate them, and that I should have my opportunity today. Am I entitled to have an opportunity now? My constituency is more closely affected than anybody else's in the House.

I had the hon. Member in mind and I remembered his efforts to ask a Question. I should have called him but for the fact that notice has now been given that the matter will be raised on the Adjournment, and therefore we cannot pursue it further at Question time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many motor vehicles of all descriptions, and what percentage of United Kingdom vehicles exports, were exported to Australia during the 12 months ended 29th February, 1952: what is the anticipated reduction in such exports during the next 12 months consequential upon the decision of the Australian Government to curtail drastically their imports from the United Kingdom; and how far these changed arrangements will influence supplies of vehicles for the home market.

In the twelve months ended January, 1952, 171,000 motor vehicles, including tractors, were exported to Australia. This was 27 per cent. of United Kingdom exports to all countries. Details of exports in February are not yet available.

Until we have further information, we cannot estimate the probable reduction in exports over the next twelve months as a result of the import restrictions imposed by the Australian Government. It will, however, be substantial.

As regards the last part of the Question, this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

In the light of my right hon. Friend's figures, is it correct to assume that the reduction in the number of vehicles going to Australia in 1952 will be no fewer than 130,000? Can he say what special measures are in hand to place this very large number of vehicles either in overseas markets or on the home market, and what the policy will be in that regard?

My hon. Friend, of course, will appreciate that conversations are at present going on between my right hon. Friend and the motor car industry on these matters.

During these balance of payments difficulties will the right hon. Gentleman concentrate upon improving export facilities rather than taking the easy way out of encouraging manufacturers of motorcars to release their cars to the home markets?

That is a question that should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it will be practically impossible for the motorcar industry to export a similar number of cars to any other part of the world during the coming year?

I would not underestimate the difficulties of this cut, caused by balance of payment difficulties, and its impact upon the motorcar industry.

I am sure that my right hon. Friend does not underestimate the feeling in all parts of the country in connection with the actions of the Australian Government. Will he assure the House that these questions are not taken up piecemeal but that representations are made on the highest level to the Australian Government on the harm they are doing to this country and to the whole structure of inter-Commonwealth trade?

I, of course, do not answer here for the Australian Government; but my hon. Friend will appreciate that in the balance of payments position in which they found themselves very considerable action in the way of reducing imports was inevitable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British Government made any specific protest to the Australian Government about the detailed nature of these cuts before they were made?

It is not a question of protests being made. At the present moment discussions are in progress between us and the Australian Government as to the details of the cut and the administration of their application.

But were representations made before these cuts were announced?

Is not the House to understand from the whole trend of the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the representations he has made to the Australian Government are concerned only with the details and the administration of an 80 per cent. cut which in principle he apparently accepts? Will the Minister tell the House quite frankly what advantage he anticipates the sterling area as a whole will derive if Australia manages to balance its overseas account by driving the whole of Midland heavy industry and the Lancashire cotton industry into permanent bankruptcy?

These are large issues with which I hope to have an opportunity of dealing this afternoon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent exports authorised under existing contracts are affected by the import restrictions announced by the Australian Government on Saturday.

I recognise that the sudden imposition of import restrictions must cause difficulties for traders with firm orders, but I understand that goods already in transit or covered by irrevocable letters of credit will be allowed in and debited against a future quota. I am sure that the Australian authorities are fully conscious of the desirability of allowing bona fide contracts to be carried out. But evidently the Australian Government consider that to do so would frustrate the purpose of the import restrictions. I understand, however, that the Australian authorities will examine sympathetically cases of special hardship which may arise from the cancellation of contracts.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this unilateral cancellation of existing contracts, entirely against the example set by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has undertaken to issue licences for existing contracts, is the greatest possible blow at the whole export drive of this country, as it leaves the exporter in complete uncertainty whether the contract is good or not?

Will he remember that when similar action was taken in regard to Canadian contracts by the party opposite, we as a party made the strongest possible protest? Will he, therefore, go even further than he has done already and represent to the Australian Government that unilateral cancellation of contracts must not be allowed to go through without the strongest possible protest?

Is it not ludicrous that individual members of the Commonwealth should be trying to solve balance of payments difficulties by cutting each others' throats? Is it not clear that we are in danger of entering on a world-wide recession of trade if this kind of unplanned trade anarchy goes on? Would it not be possible—I suggest it seriously to the right hon. Gentleman—to recall the Commonwealth Conference to work out a constructive and sensible economic policy?

I think the hon. Lady will do well to study—as I am sure she has studied in the past—what exactly was the balance of payments situation of the Australian Government when they decided on these cuts.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that there is a geographical area called North Staffordshire where from time immemorial the manufacture of pottery has been a specifically specialised field? Would he bear in mind the type of hardship that may ensue there as a result of these decisions, and look specially into the difficulties on that area?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that unhappily in Australia, as in some other Commonwealth countries, they are in fact over-bought in many lines and that therefore if their Government had not found it necessary to place these painful restrictions on trade there would have been a natural falling-off of trade due to their being over-bought?

That is another question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Her Majesty's Government will make arrangements for obtaining alternative markets for such British cars as were formerly exported to Australia.

I will certainly do my best to help the motor industry to find outlets in other countries for the trade affected.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that in the Midlands, and certainly in Coventry, we shall have skilled engineers thrown out of work as a result of this import cut? Will he therefore impress upon motorcar manufacturers that, as export is second only to defence, something must be done about the matter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last week the hon. Lady was trying to stop people from buying motorcars?

Having regard to the numerous questions asked him from both sides of the House, does the right hon. Gentleman consider that what has taken place, and the Government's acquiescence in it, is what the Conservative Party has always meant by "Imperial Preference"?

On a point of order. Might I ask if the hon. Member for Croydon, East (Sir H. Williams), is in order? I am sure that he said it quite honestly; but he alleged that I said something which I did not say. Last week I did not, as the hon. Member declares, try to stop people from buying motorcars. I tried to stop them from buying one car a year when other people could not buy a car at all.

That is what I understood the hon. Lady to say. I did not take the hon. Member's remark very seriously.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what efforts have been made by his Department to obtain lead from Australia.

The Ministry of Materials is in close touch with the Australian lead producers. During the last two years this country has obtained more than two-thirds of its virgin lead from Australia. This represents approximately 70 per cent. of Australia's total lead exports.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what is the current position on stocks of softwood timber for housebuilding in the year 1952; and if he will give an assurance that adequate supplies are available in merchants' hands and elsewhere in the United Kingdom to meet all foreseeable demand for 1952 housebuilding arrangements.

Present stocks of softwood are the highest since the war; and, together with authorised imports, they will provide enough softwood for the 1952 housing programme.

Will the hon. Gentleman give due recognition to the fact that the stock of softwood in the country, to meet the party's housing programme, is a direct result of the initiative displayed by private importers?

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he will increase the supply of wood for making non-returnable cases for horticultural use.

Hardwood and plywood are fully available for cases of any kind; but as far as softwood is concerned, I regret that none can at present be allowed.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that our horticulturists are very good horticulturists, but they cannot compete with foreigners on fair terms if they are unable to supply decent boxes of the kind used by foreigners.

I am well aware of the views of the industry, and when more softwood is available we shall bear it in mind.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is an ever-increasing amount of softwood in small sizes now available mainly but not wholly from the Forestry Commission's young plantations, and much of that now burned as firewood could be cut into boxwood, for this purpose, if only many more local sawmills had the requisite machinery? Will he look into the position again?