HC Deb 22 May 1939 vol 347 cc1899-900
44. Mr. Thorne

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage of imported machine-tools imported from America, Germany, Belgium, and any other country, respectively?

Mr. Cross

During the year 1938 imports into the United Kingdom of metal-working machine tools from the United States represented 52 per cent. by value of total imports, from Germany 27 per cent. and from Belgium 2 per cent. Other principal sources were Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and Czechoslovakia.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will the hon. Member consider the advisability of consulting with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster as to the desirability of instituting a survey of machine tools in this country with a view to their reconditioning wherever that is found necessary?

Mr. Cross

That is another question.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the hon. Member bear in mind that the way the question is worded it is apt to be misleading? The total percentage is probably relatively small, but the percentage of certain types is a very high one.

Lieut.-Commander Agnew

Is it not a fact that there are manufacturers of machine tools in this country who could increase their output were it not for the very severe competition from overseas countries?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will the hon. Member bring the point I raised to the notice of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

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