§ 32. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the cost to the jewellery trade, because of the high deposits required by Her Majesty's Customs, of taking samples overseas for exhibition in Nicosia, what steps he will take to amend the restrictions which at present hamper the export of jewellery to Cyprus.
§ Mr. ProfumoI am advised that no deposits are required by the United Kingdom authorities on exports of jewellery to Cyprus. In case the hon. Member has in mind possible import restrictions in Cyprus, I am asking the Governor for information and will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.
§ Mr. YatesWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that my information is that a manufacturer recently was asked for a deposit of £12,000, that he could raise a deposit of only £2,000 and, as a result, he lost many thousands of pounds worth of trade?
§ Mr. ProfumoAs I am sure the hon. Member knows, there are international regulations about this matter. I think we had better await the reply to the question I have addressed to the Governor of Cyprus. Then we shall know the actual position.