29. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade if the importation is prohibited of cedar-wood slats, required by our British pencil manufacturers, while the import of cedar-wood pencils is permitted; and, if this is the case, will the Government consider the advisability of allowing our pencil manufacturers to import sufficient cedar-wood slats to keep their industry running, and of reducing proportionately, if found necessary, the quantity imported of finished pencils?
§ Mr. PRETYMANLicences will be given for the present for the importation of cedar slats.