§ 72. Sir Joseph Lambasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has taken note of the fact that there is a substantial increase in the imports from Denmark during the first quarter of this year, accompanied by a fall in the exports of British goods to Denmark; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer to the answer I gave on 23rd May to a similar question by the hon. Member for Newport (Sir R. Clarry). I would add that it is too soon for the results of the arrangement referred to in the answer given on 28th April to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition to be reflected in the trade statistics.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Denmark's purchases per unit of population from this country are the largest of any country in Europe?
§ Mr. HudsonHowever that may be, I hope the recent increase in import licences granted by the Danish Government will help to secure an expansion of British export trade.