§ 49. Mr. NEEDHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties in regard to the export of cotton goods for embroidery and other similar purposes to Switzerland; whether he can fix a standard so that exporters may know the qualities which may be shipped; and whether he will consider the possibility of arranging in Switzerland an organisation for that country similar to the Netherland Overseas Trust, so that British products may be safely exported to Switzerland?
Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that the difficulties in question have arisen as the result of steps which it has been found necessary to take to prevent the exportation of fabrics suitable for aircraft. These difficulties have formed the subject of discussions between the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Government Departments concerned, and I hope that a system will shortly be brought into operation which will enable fabrics which are not specially suitable for aircraft to be so certified by competent authorities and exported to Switzerland without restriction. Negotiations are now in progress having in view the creation in Switzerland of a body such as that referred to in the last part of the question.