asked the President of the Board of Trade what communications he has had with the United States Government regarding the repeal of the "Buy American" Act as recommended by the Paley Commission; and if he will make a statement on the effects such a repeal would have on British exports to the United States of America.

The Report of the Paley Commission to the President of the United States is a domestic matter and there has been no communication with the United States Government arising out of any of its recommendations. It is not possible to make any estimate in figures of the extent to which British exports to the United States might increase if the "Buy American" Act were repealed, but it could be substantial having regard to the amount that is spent by Federal and other agencies on equipment that might be imported.

While recognising that the recommendation of the Paley Commission is a domestic matter for the American people, may I ask whether the Government will take any legitimate opportunities they have to press home to the American Government the desirability of reducing their tariffs, which would not affect their domestic trade a great deal, but would make a great deal of difference to our exports to them?

The "Buy American" Act is certainly one of the matters we have under consideration with a view to raising it with the American Government at an appropriate time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reason for the fall in exports for the third quarter of 1952 to £574 million from £689 million in the corresponding period of 1951; and if he will make a statement on the position.

The two figures mentioned by my hon. Friend are not quite comparable. The first excludes, and the second includes, the value of re-exports. Excluding the latter throughout, the value of United Kingdom exports fell from £656 million to £574 million between the two quarters mentioned. The principal reason for this fall has been the general recession in consumer demand and the severe import restrictions imposed by many sterling area countries last spring following upon unusually large imports by them from the United Kingdom in the latter part of 1951 and the first quarter of 1952.

These sterling area countries had to take drastic action to restore a balance in their external accounts which inevitably meant a sharp reduction in their imports from the United Kingdom. Exports to the non-sterling world as a whole have been fairly well maintained.

Can the Minister hold out any hope that in the near future these restrictions in the sterling area on our exports will cease? Will my hon. Friend follow the example of the late Sir Stafford Cripps and warn the country that unless we have greater exports we shall have widespread unemployment and lower rations?

It is quite clear that overseas market conditions have become more difficult lately. At the time to which my hon. Friend referred in his Question there was a very high demand from Australia and I am glad to say there is a slight improvement there now.

Do not the figures, particularly the export figures for the third quarter, show a great recession of trade with Australasia and the necessity for replanning our trade so that we shall not be in a capricious position but can have more regularity in Commonwealth and Western European trade?

We want to trade with the sterling area as much as we can. It is unfortunate that prices of raw materials such as wool have made it impossible for our friends to buy from us.

Is not the real reason for the fall in our exports the continuance by this country of tariffs, controls and restrictions on international trade? Does not my hon. Friend realise that we shall not recover in this country until all these tariffs, controls and regulations are taken off?

Is not this the cause of unemployment in the ports of the country, about which we have heard so much in the last week? Does it not show the trend, not only in the docks, but throughout the whole of the industry of this country?

No, Sir. There is no longer the easy market which existed after the war. Some of our friends, notably the three Southern Dominions, have not been able to buy from us, but we hope that now the pipeline has been emptied things might improve.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further discussions have taken place with Cuba since July with a view to obtaining some of the surplus sugar available in return for sterling to be spent in the country; and with what result.

There have been no such discussions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the International Sugar Conference last month, in London, the Cuban representatives said that from a huge surplus of sugar they would like to sell 500,000 tons to Britain at 3d. a lb.? If it is a question of dollars could we not have fewer cigars and more sugar? Sugar should have the highest priority.

The hon. Member asked me if we had had direct discussions and the answer is "No." With regard to the question of payment in inconvertible sterling, the trouble is that we would be simply building up a contingent liability later on.

Could we not get the sugar if we paid in gold, which we might save by stopping the importation of sugar substitutes from the Continent?

No, Sir. If we did we should be damaging our trade with Europe severely.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the possibility of giving assistance similar to that offered to the Buckie-Peterhead area to areas such as Shetland which have suffered high and continuous unemployment for many years.

I am informed that, so far as their resources allow, the Development Commissioners will be prepared to consider on their merits proposals for schemes in Shetland or other rural areas from applicants eligible under the Development and Road Improvement Fund Act, 1909, as amended.

While thanking the hon. and learned Gentleman for that answer, may I ask him if he agrees that unemployment in Shetland and other Highland areas has been considerably higher than in the Buckie-Peterhead area? Can he say whether any positive action is being taken by the Government or the Commissioners to find suitable light industries for those areas?

The area referred to in the Question presented, in our view, certain characteristics which made the Development Commission's methods particularly applicable. But, as I said in my answer, that does not mean that the area about which he specifically asked is excluded.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Statutory Instruments he has made during the past 12 months abolishing or moderating existing controls.

Thirty-one, Sir.

Will my hon. and learned Friend do his best to remove more controls, if possible, during the next 12 months and keep the good work going?

It is certainly the policy of Her Majesty's Government to get rid of unnecessary controls.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the unsatisfactory position concerning the labelling of goods, irresponsible distributors are able to pass off on the public napped cotton goods as suede; and whether, as the leather industry is disturbed by such practices, he will instruct the British Standards Institution regarding the urgent necessity of clarifying the position.

It is an offence under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, to apply to goods a false description as to the material of which they are composed or to sell goods to which such false description is applied. Any person can institute proceedings if he considers that the term "suede" is being wrongly applied.

I understand that the British Standards Institution has circulated draft standards for cotton apparel cloths to all interests concerned, including the leather industry, and will, no doubt, consider any comments which may be received.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I know that and that I have seen these drafts? Would he not agree that there is a tendency in advertising to use terms of high quality to describe second-rate goods? Is he further aware that to the shopping public the term "suede" belongs to the leather industry and not to the cotton industry? Would he ask the British Standards Institution to expedite this matter?

I do not think that any requests from my Department are necessary to the British Standards Institution. They are certainly getting on with the job.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what exports of rubber and tin from British territories to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China have been licensed during the past 12 months.

Ninety-nine thousand four hundred and ninety-one tons of rubber were licensed and exported to Russia from the United Kingdom and British Colonial Territories in the 12 months ended 31st October, 1952. Exports of tin to Russia are not subject to licence, but are closely watched; in the year ended 31st July, the latest for which figures are available, exports from the United Kingdom and British Colonial Territories amounted to 350 tons. There have been no exports to China of either rubber or tin from these sources since June, 1951.

Does my hon. Friend really think that it is a good thing to go on exporting what is, in effect, war material to a country which is actively supporting our enemy?

We are licensing at the same rate as in the past and taking into consideration the peace-time demands of Russia in doing so.

Would the Minister continue to resist such demands since Russia and China can obtain the supplies quite easily from other sources?

Will the Minister bear in mind that it is the accepted opinion, quite outside any question of party controversy, that the restoration of world trade conditions depends upon the development of under-developed areas, that China is largely an undeveloped area and that one cannot industrially develop an undeveloped area without rubber and without tin?

Will my hon. Friend say whether it is the object of this country to develop Chinese industry in view of the way in which China is behaving?

I think that the attitude of Her Majesty's Government on these problems has been made abundantly clear.

Is the Minister aware that we shall have less grain from Russia this year, which will have a very bad effect on our own industry? Should we not export rubber and wool in quantities to match the supplies that we want in return?

We are balancing our exports to Russia in the same way as our predecessors did, on the basis of the peace-time needs of Russia, in order not to make rubber available for strategic purposes.

Is the Minister aware that what we tried to do before was to get as much grain and timber as possible and that, in return, we sold wool and rubber?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, while French cars are imported into this country, there is no corresponding arrangement allowing the import of British cars into France; and what steps he is taking to correct this anomaly.

Apart from a few cars in connection with the Motor Show, licences are not being issued for commercial imports of motor cars from any country. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

My hon. Friend may have in mind, however, the small production of cars assembled in this country from parts in the main imported from France. That is a long-standing arrangement and the arms concerned conform to the same pattern of home and export trade as do other manufacturers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent earthenware and china pottery is being manufactured to commemorate the Coronation.

I understand that preparations are being widely made in the pottery industry for the manufacture of Coronation souvenirs both for the export and home markets and that the industry should be able to meet all the demands made upon it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to expedite the export of Coronation mugs to the Colonial Empire.

There are no restrictions on the import into the Colonial Empire of Coronation mugs made in the United Kingdom; and I am confident that the pottery industry can be relied upon to expedite exports of this ware without any special help from the Board of Trade.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there will be great gratification in the country at his answer?

Will my hon. Friend take active steps to expedite the export of left-handed mugs to Moscow?

Will the Minister constantly bear in mind that in North Staffordshire the only mugs that are manufactured are made out of earthenware or china, and no other substance?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total area of factory space in the Lanarkshire industrial estates, including Queenslie Estate; and what are the number of persons employed in each of these estates.

The total area of factory space on industrial estates in Lanarkshire and on the Queenslie Estate, is 2,453,000 square feet and at the end of August the number of persons employed on these estates was 9,498. In addition, there are factories on individual sites in Lanarkshire administered by Scottish Industrial Estates, Limited, with a total area of 1,869,000 square feet, where, at the end of August, 5,966 persons were employed.

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the numbers employed in each industrial estate.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman now satisfied that these estates have not served the purpose for which they were originally intended, which was to provide employment for the people in that Development Area? Will the Board of Trade take this question up seriously and ensure that some firms are coming to Lanarkshire to provide such employment?

I apologise to the hon. Member for having missed a part of his supplementary question, but he will observe that the Question on the Order Paper only asks for figures, which I have given him.

Is the Minister aware that I put a Question on the Order Paper on Tuesday of last week for a Written answer from the Board of Trade and that up to now I have not received a reply to that Question, which has a bearing on both the Questions which are in my name on today's Order Paper?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what firm is taking over the factory which is being vacated by Vactric; and how many persons they hope to employ.

Negotiations are in progress with a company who hope to employ a substantial number of persons, but I am not at liberty to disclose the name of the company at present.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that for some considerable time the Vactric Company have been preparing to vacate this site? Is he further aware that this week or next week there will be an additional 800 people on the unemployed register? Could he say what firm is likely to come into the area, and when? Is he aware that if we are to wait for some time for it to come and wait while it is tooling-up the factory the unemployment figures in the area, which are already the highest in Scotland, will be increased?

The hon. Gentleman cannot have looked at the Question which he has put on the Paper, to which I have given him an answer.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman look very carefully into this matter? This is one of the finest factory buildings in Scotland, and, so far, it has not been properly occupied.

I share the hope of the right hon. Gentleman for successful negotiations. Negotiations are taking place, but I do not think it would serve any useful purpose if I were to add anything to the answer I have given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to assist the Premier of Saskatchewan during his visit to this country for the purpose of promoting United Kingdom trade and participation in the development of Saskatchewan's natural resources.

Her Majesty's Government welcome the visit to this country of the Premier of Saskatchewan, and both my right hon. Friend and I look forward to meeting him while he is here. We hope that Mr. Douglas will be able to tell us how we can help, and that we can discuss with him ways of promoting United Kingdom trade and participation in the development of Saskatchewan's natural resources.

Can we be assured that this distinguished Canadian will receive every possible assistance, bearing in mind that he has taken a most commendable initiative in coming over here for a very worthwhile object?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has been able to give detailed consideration to the Report of the Copyright Committee; and whether he hopes to introduce legislation during the present Parliament.

The Report of the Copyright Committee is being carefully considered. No decision has yet been taken regarding legislation to give effect to its recommendations.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that the Report dealing with this matter called attention to the extreme confusion of the law concerning copyright and the necessity for a new codification, as it is so long since anything was done about the matter? Should not greater urgency be shown by the Board of Trade in this matter?

I did not intend my reply to the hon. Member's Question to be discouraging. This is a very important Report and it requires most careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities and values of fondant, sugar fat mixtures and piping jelly, respectively, which were imported during the last six months of 1951 and the import quotas fixed for the same products for the six months to 31st December, 1952, respectively.

The quotas fixed for the last six months of 1952 for imports from Western European and certain other non-sterling countries of sugar fat mixtures and fondant are £1 million and £750,000 respectively. There is no quota for piping jelly, but certain licences have been issued to enable importers to fulfil contracts which they had entered into prior to the imposition of import restrictions on this item.

Imports of sugar fat mixtures from the same countries in the last six months of 1951 amounted to 359,125 cwts., valued at £2,808,505. Imports of fondant and piping jelly were not separately recorded in the official statistics. Imports of fondant in the calendar year 1951 are estimated to have been £8 million.

Would the Minister not agree that it would be far better to import fewer of these extensive manufactured products and more of the raw materials with which they are made? Will the Minister keep that constantly in mind?

We are taking all the sugar we can get from the sterling area, and towards the end of this month we shall be making an announcement of the purchase for next year.

Could my hon. Friend tell the House whether Her Majesty's Government have been into a detailed examination of the possibility of giving up these imports altogether, and, if they have, what reaction these European Governments have taken to such a step? My own information is that the European Governments themselves regard these sugar substitutes as something of a black market which has developed over recent years.

We have looked into this matter. My hon. Friend's remarks are not applicable to every country, but perhaps he will await the announcement which will be given on about 25th November.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that last week in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith, South (Mr. W. T. Williams) the Minister said that to reduce these imports of fondants from European countries would damage our trading relations with these countries? In what way would our trading relations be damaged?

If we deliberately try to exclude one industry or damage a particular country, naturally they resent it and take reciprocal action against us. We have to look at each country on its merits and talk to them and see that we do as little damage to our trading relations as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now make a statement about the mooring of boats on the Thames to accommodate visitors to London for the Coronation.

I am informed by the Port of London Authority that they have accepted applications for six ships to be moored in the Thames during the Coronation period. These should provide accommodation for about 3,400 visitors. Inquiries have been made about mooring two other ships in the Thames, and the P.L.A. are willing to give favourable consideration to such applications.

Will the Minister do his best to ensure that if at all possible more ships should be moored, because this will considerably relieve the pressure on accommodation in London during the Coronation period, and will make it much easier and cheaper for visitors to spend the Coronation period here with us?

Yes, Sir, and I am grateful to the hon. and gallant Member and to other London Members for the interest that they have taken in this matter. There are, however, technical difficulties.

Will the licensing laws apply to these ships?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the import ban on sound recordings by British orchestras for United States radio and television programmes, he will ban the import of similar recordings by United States orchestras pending the negotiation of fair reciprocal arrangements.

So far as I am aware, no restrictions are imposed by the United States Government on imports of sound recordings made in this country. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

If information is provided to the hon. Gentleman that such an import ban does exist, will he take the matter up with the American Government so as to ensure fair reciprocal arrangements?

I shall be very pleased to look into it.

Did my hon. Friend consult the B.B.C. on this matter before he replied to this Question? Is he aware that, in fact, there are such restrictions so far as the networks are concerned? Is he further aware that this is largely due to the growth of restrictive practices of musicians' unions on both sides of the Atlantic, and will he do his best to make certain that no argument is put into the hands of Mr. Petrillo to enable this ban to be cancelled?

I think my Department consulted the B.B.C., and, so far as I know, the information I have given to the House is correct.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity in yards, and the value and countries of origin, of printed cotton cloth imported into the United Kingdom between 1st January and 30th September, 1952.

Total imports into the United Kingdom of printed cotton cloth recorded during January-September, 1952, were 2,658,000 square yards valued at £408,000. As these imports were consigned from a large number of countries I will, with permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will my hon. Friend ensure that where these materials can be manufactured equally well in this country licences are not issued? Is he aware that in the shops at present there are printed cottons from other European countries, which could quite well be manufactured in Lancashire?

My hon. Friend is asking me to use quotas for protection rather than for balance of payments reasons, which I cannot promise to do.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent licences have been granted to consumers for the importation of carnauba wax from the United States of America, payable in dollars; and for what amount.

Two licences have been issued this year to import a total of 125 tons of carnauba wax from the United States at a value of £98,050. One of these licences was issued to a manufacturer for use in his own business and the other to an importer for sale to users.

At a time when dollars are in short supply, would it not be better if the commodity came from Brazil, when it could be paid for in sterling?

By the arrangement which was made we saved £100 a ton.

As one of the more ignorant Members of the House, may I ask what is carnauba wax, and what it is used for?

It is required for the manufacture of boot polish and other products.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider increasing the controlled price of imported nylon stockings for sale in this country.

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that in an answer which was given to me last week, the President of the Board of Trade stated that licences would be issued to import foreign nylons, but under the present price control these nylons cannot be sold in the retail shops at the controlled price and show a reasonable profit? Will he ensure that if they are imported they do not go into the black market?

Certainly, steps will be taken to prevent a breach of the law, but it is our information that imports within the maximum prices at present laid down should be possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure a reasonable supply of nylon stockings for the home market which will provide good wearing qualities.

It is for the industry to decide what kinds of nylon yarn to use for the manufacture of stockings in the light of demand at home and overseas. I understand that at least half the supplies for the home market are made from the heavier yarn which wears well.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that my Question applies to the supply of nylon stockings for the home market and not to the quality of the nylon? Will he convey to his right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, who has always shown himself to be solicitous regarding women's interests, that nylons of a good, reliable wearing quality are now unprocurable?

I am instructed by my advisers that extreme fineness of texture can only be obtained at the cost of durability, and, therefore, I can only advise the hon. Lady to choose the quality which she more desires.

Can my hon. Friend give a similar assurance about the continued supply of new hats?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that British women always prefer 30 denier for good wearing qualities and 15 denier for glamour?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the estimated amount of nylon stockings available to the home market for 1953; and the amount available for 1952.

In the first 10 months of 1952 deliveries of nylon stockings to the home market amounted to approximately 64 million pairs. Exports must have the first call on our production of stockings from the limited amount of nylon yarn available, and the quantities of nylon stockings offered on the home market in 1953 will chiefly depend on the level of exports.

Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that the quantity for 1953 will not fall below that for 1952?

I think it will be the view of all that exports must have the first call, but steps are being taken to increase the production of nylon yarn, which should ultimately make greater supplies available for both home and export purposes.

Can my hon. Friend say how the 64 million pairs for the home market this year compares with last year and the year before that?

Not without notice, Sir.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present arrangements of his Department for allocating nylon yarn are reducing our own supplies for the home market, and not increasing them, at the very moment when he is allowing foreign supplies to enter?

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it is rather stupid that, at a time when we need to export nylons, we are importing them? If he does not think it is stupid, does he not think it was dishonest that when the Labour Party was doing exactly the same thing with porcelain baths and cement the Tory Party tried to make propaganda out of it?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman will find that great quantities are imported. He must be familiar from many answers which have been given that it is not right to exclude all imports.

Why was that not said when the Conservative Party was in Opposition?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what change there has been, since the matter was raised in the House of Commons in April, 1948, in the policy of restricting the importation of West African furniture.

Under an open general licence issued with effect from 15th February, 1951, imports of furniture from a number of countries, including British West Africa, were freed from import licensing restrictions; the only stipulations are that the furniture must be complete, or, if unassembled, must consist of parts of furniture forming a complete article, and that the furniture must not be upholstered with fabric containing more than 5 per cent. of cashmere. Metal furniture of all kinds may also be imported from British West Africa under open general licence issued with effect from 5th October, 1949.

In view of the fact that the hon. Members who raised this matter in the House, and also the manufacturers of West African furniture, never learned of the change, as my hon. Friends knows, may I ask him whether, in future, he will try to make such changes known to those concerned?

Yes, Sir. I hope to improve things.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give consideration to introducing legislation to make home workers' schemes illegal unless licensed for the protection of the public.

We shall carefully consider whether legislation on this subject is desirable and practicable.

I should like to thank the hon. and learned Gentleman for that statement. Will he bear in mind that the fraud squad of Scotland Yard, when making inquiries into home workers' schemes, have been amazed to find hundreds of them in the country, and that to protect the very poor and the old it is essential that consideration should be given to this matter as soon as possible?

I am sure that the hon. Member will realise that the criminal law is not without its resources at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to give details of the composition of the Coronation Accommodation Committee; how its members were selected, and their qualifications for the work; and how far the general consumer interest is represented thereon.

The Coronation Accommodation Committee has ten members, of which five were appointed by the British Travel and Holidays Association and five by the British Hotels and Restaurants Association. The special concern of the British Travel and Holidays Association is, of course, the welfare of visitors, while the members appointed by the British Hotels and Restaurants Association represent the hotel industry.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the members of the Committee, from which it will be seen that they are well qualified to deal with the various problems which will arise in connection with the accommodation of visitors to the Coronation.

Am I right in assuming from the hon. Gentleman's answer that there is not a member of the general public, as such, on this Committee? Has he seen a statement yesterday by the head of this Committee to the effect that the Coronation Accommodation Committee is not responsible for the accommodation provided by the hotels for viewing the procession? Does the Minister agree with that statement, and, if so, will he ask the Committee to accept that responsibility?

I should like to see the statement; I have not yet seen it.

In view of the fact that the B.H.R.A. have their representatives, why are there no representatives from the trade unions, particularly from the appropriate industrial councils, on this Committee? Will he see that a representative of the T.U.C. is appointed to this Committee?

I think that this is a matter affecting the actual accommodation. We want a practical small working committee for which the Hotel Association provides free accommodation. The other Association to which I have referred has representatives of the whole of industry on it.

Does the Minister appreciate that unless the workers are represented by their trade unions, he has not complete representation of those really concerned? May I ask him again to consider having a trade union representative from the T.U.C. on this Committee?

I am quite prepared to consider that suggestion, but these are not industrial negotiations.

Can the Minister say why the British Travel and Holidays Association, on which the trade unions and the Co-operative Society are already sitting as members, was not entrusted with this duty, particularly in view of the very efficient way in which it carried out the organisation in the case of the Festival of Britain?

It is necessary to get the co-operation of the hotels in this matter. The Clerk of the London County Council and the Director of the Wholesale Co-operative Society are on this Committee. If we start increasing the number, it will be a very big Committee. It has a lot of work to do, and it may have to be done fairly quickly.

The hotel industry is represented on the B.T.H.A., and that body has already done one job extremely well and should be able to do another.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds his department has, so far, refused to disclose to the Retail Trading Standards Association the name of the manufacturer of rayon-wool knitwear whose Utility code number was BHJ, some of whose jumpers and cardigans have recently been seen bearing the label Jay Jay Pure Scotch Wool, thereby contravening the Merchandise Marks Act.

It is not the practice of the Board to disclose information obtained under the Defence Regulations. My right hon. Friend has asked for advice on whether the special circumstances of this case can justify an exception.

Surely the Board is responsible for safeguarding the consumer. Is the Minister aware that this information was asked for on 21st October, and would he not agree that the R.T.S.A. is responsible, as a trade association, for making investigations? How can they do that without information from the Board? Does he realise that if this case is taken to court, the Board of Trade will be an accessory after the fact for withholding information?

I do not think that the hon. Lady will expect me to agree with her on the law. My original answer was not intended to be discouraging. Until my right hon. Friend has received the advice for which he has asked, I should prefer not to add to my answer.

Quite apart from the law, in pursuit of general knowledge, and with respect to my hon. Friend, will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell me what is Jay Jay Pure Scotch Wool?

I think that if I went into the answer to all that, it would unnecessarily delay the answers to other Questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in how many cases during the past 12 months his Department has undertaken the prosecution of offences under the Merchandise Marks Acts; and with what result.

None, Sir.

Why not? With the dropping of the Utility scheme the public did not have the protection which it had before. Was not a regulation introduced in 1913 to enable the Board of Trade to prosecute on behalf of the public, and, in some cases for the protection of the consumer? What has the Board of Trade been doing during the last 12 months?

The fact that the Board of Trade has not prosecuted does not mean that prosecutions have not taken place. Whether the Board of Trade should prosecute or not depends on the Act of 1891. If the hon. Gentleman will refer to that Act, he will see the conditions which make it proper for the Board of Trade to prosecute, and those conditions have not arisen in this particular period.

Is the Minister aware that his own party introduced a Regulation in 1913 which gives the Board of Trade power to prosecute?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what sum is outstanding to claimants under the War Damage Act, 1943; and how much interest has accrued under Part II on this sum to date.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to claims outstanding under Part II of the War Damage Act. The amount of such claims outstanding is now approximately £27½ million. The accrued interest on this sum is approximately £8 million.

Will my hon. Friend use his influence with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to liquidate this debt before the interest catches up with the principal?

Will the hon. Gentleman also use his influence with the Foreign Secretary to see that Herr Krupp is not paid out before our own people are paid out?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he estimates the rate of production of continuous filament and staple nylon will reach 30,000,000 pounds weight per annum.

I am informed that the expansion in manufacturing capacity, designed to provide an output of about 30 million lb. weight of nylon per annum, should come into operation during the latter half of 1954.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulties confronting British exporters, particularly in the motor industry, as a result of export subsidies, overt and concealed, offered to foreign competitors by their national governments; and what protests he has made against these unfair practices.

I am aware that certain export incentive schemes introduced by foreign Governments may be among the factors contributing to the increased competition which the motor vehicle and other industries are meeting in overseas markets. Her Majesty's Government are opposed to the use of export subsidies, overt or concealed, and in all inter-Governmental discussion of this subject it will remain their constant endeavour to secure that the freedom of Governments to use such subsidies is strictly limited.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware of the serious decline in motor exports due partly to German competition which has been aided by export bonuses and taxation remissions? In particular, has he seen the resolution of the International Monetary Conference protesting against these measures, and will he say what support Her Majesty's Government have given to the protest by the Conference?

Our representative gave the very strongest support. I have seen the resolution, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that Her Majesty's Government regard this as a serious matter. I should also like to say that I know that neither industry nor hon. Members would wish us to take any action which might encourage a mad subsidy race in the world.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulties confronting British exporters, particularly in the motor industry, as a result of the more favourable credit facilities offered by their foreign competitors; and whether he will request the Export Credits Guarantee Department to adopt a more liberal policy in order to deal with such competition on a basis of equality.

The Export Credits Guarantee Department is not responsible for determining, for exchange control purposes, what credit facilities British exporters may offer. That is a matter for the Treasury acting on the advice of the Foreign Exchange Control Committee.

As my right hon. Friend said on 5th November, during the debate on the Address, applications to offer extended credit terms are being dealt with sympathetically and Her Majesty's Government is fully aware of the importance of maintaining the competitiveness of United Kingdom manufactures in overseas markets.

I am not aware that, within the limits approved by the Treasury, E.C.G.D. in any way restrict the terms of payment on transactions covered by their guarantee. If the hon. Member has evidence of any such cases I shall be pleased to look into them. The hon. Member will, of course, realise that the cover E.C.G.D. can provide must be related to the capacity of overseas buyers to meet their obligations.

To illustrate my Question, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware of the difficulties being experienced by exporters of commercial vehicles in competition with foreign sellers of comparable vehicles, in that they find that the customers who have to write off the value of the vehicles require long-term credits, and that, in certain cases, particularly in South America, customers are receiving five- and 10-year credits which are not available for British products?

I am aware of that. The hon. Gentleman will also be aware that in the case of the South American countries we have gone very wide, and the time will come when the House will have to face a Supplementary Estimate in connection with these credits.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he is satisfied with the level of utilisation of waste paper by mills in this country; and what steps, administrative and scientific, are being taken to raise the level.

The present lower level of utilisation of waste paper arises mainly from the fall in demand for the articles in which it is used as a raw material, but my noble Friend would always welcome any suitable means of increasing its utilisation. It is already used by paper and board mills in making a wide range of products. In particular, packaging boards and the cheaper wrapping papers are made almost wholly of waste paper, while newsprint also contains some. The use of too high a proportion would impair the quality of the finished product which has frequently to compete with the foreign manufactures in both the home and export markets. Methods of increasing its use are more a matter for scientific and technical study than for administrative action.

My noble Friend is, therefore, in touch with the British Paper and Board Makers' Association as to possible ways of increasing the use of waste paper and some of the technical problems involved are now being studied by the British Paper and Board Industry Research Association.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his very complete answer, may I ask him if he is aware that the percentage of waste now used in the manufacture of newsprint is very much smaller than that used during the war? Is there a possibility of increasing it? Also, is it not regrettable that we have no bleaching process for newsprint, as is used in the United States of America?

As to the second part of the supplementary question, that is one of the technical points involved. As to the quality of our newsprint, it is very much a matter of opinion whether we want to go back to the war-time standard.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he is aware that the price of a 30 ft. medium pole suitable for electricity supply has risen in price from £6 5s. in July, 1951, to £10 6s. delivered on the site at the present time; and, as this rise in cost is prejudicing the extension of electricity supplies in country districts, what steps he is taking to get this price lowered.

My noble Friend does not control the price of poles. Owing to the time required for selection and treatment the price of poles going into consumption is related to that paid for softwood about a year before. The increase to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers reflects that which took place in the price of timber during 1951. A fall in the price of poles can be expected in due course corresponding to the reduction in timber prices in 1952.

Does my hon. Friend realise that the specifications and standards laid down are so high and so difficult to meet that they completely exclude the use of British timber for this particular purpose? Will he not set up a committee to examine the whole of this question to see whether it would not be possible to use British timber for this purpose and facilitate and improve the situation very considerably?

I will draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to that.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the estimated value of the flax grown in this country in the present year; and why 100 persons are employed in the directorate of home-grown flax at a cost of £53,097.

In the current year the Government's Flax Production Scheme is expected to produce flax fibre, by-products and flax seed to the value of £833,000.

Since 1st October, 1951, the staff of the Directorate of Home-Grown Flax has been reduced by 16 to 86, and the cost of it has been reduced accordingly. The Directorate is responsible for the growing of flax and the processing of it in 10 Government-owned mills. Three of these are operated by the Directorate itself, and their supervisory and clerical staff at present numbering 38 are included in the staff of the Directorate.

The examination to which I referred in my answer of 1st August to my hon. Friend the Member for Londonderry (Mr. Well-wood) is expected to result in a further reduction of the number of staff employed in the Directorate.

Can my hon. Friend say when he hopes to be able to hand over the flax industry entirely to commercial enterprise without any Government directorate?

It has been decided to continue the present plan owing to the dependence of the Ulster industry on the present scheme.

In view of the obscurity of the reply, can the hon. Gentleman say whether, in this context, the reduction means that it will be proportionate to the amount mentioned or not?

There have been some reductions and we anticipate another small reduction.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, how much paper is saved by the ban on the display of printed contents bills by newspaper vendors.

There are no figures available which would enable a precise estimate to be made of the tonnage of paper saved in this way, but we have always been advised by the Newsprint Rationing Committee that it is substantial.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new licences enabling persons to operate as pawnbrokers have been granted since October, 1951.

Under Section 15 of the Finance Act, 1949, the power to levy duties and issue licences under the Pawnbrokers Act, 1872, was transferred to county and county borough councils and town councils in Scotland. I regret, therefore, that the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available without undue administrative expense.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will have inserted in all the tables contained in the Monthly Digest of Statistics the relative figures for at least one year prior to 1940.

The general practice is to include information for at least one pre-war year if comparable pre-war figures are available. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I shall be pleased to give it consideration.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in a number of tables comparable pre-war figures are given, and that the facts given about today's activities are not nearly so useful without pre-war figures with which to compare them?

If my hon. Friend will draw my attention to the particular cases he has in mind I will gladly look into them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of defence expenditure in the first six months of the financial year 1952–53.

For reasons which my right hon. Friend has explained before, I cannot give a figure for part of the year which would not tend to be seriously misleading.

If the Treasury does not know how much money is being spent in this way, how was it possible for his right hon. Friend to say, in a recent debate, that the re-armament programme was being fully maintained?

I do not accept the premise of the first part of that supplementary, and the second part is quite another matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of foreign exchange earnings accruing to the United Kingdom as a result of the setting up of the Foreign Exchange Market in December, 1951.

We have no means of ascertaining the amount of such earnings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the purchasing value of the £ sterling has varied since October, 1951.

Taking the figure for October, 1951, as 20s. the corresponding figure for October, 1952, was 18s. 9d. This answer is based on the Interim Index of Retail Prices of the Ministry of Labour.

Is not this substantial cut in the value of the £ all the more vicious as it is the deliberately intended result of Government policy? Is not the Government in the light of their pledges, which are too well known and too numerous to mention, guilty of a cynical approach to this for which they ought to be ashamed?

It may reassure the hon. and gallant Gentleman to compare the period for the year ending October, 1951, when the increase, calculated on the same basis, was 2s. 2d., or almost double.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the average rate of interest currently accruing to the National Land Fund; and what proportion of the fund is invested in Ways and Means advances.