§ 10. Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty of firms engaged in the export trade in obtaining the necessary iron and steel, and paper and timber for packing, and other articles; and whether in view of the importance of the export trade in the national interest, priority certificates can be granted for these materials in suitable cases?
§ Mr. StanleySome cases of difficulty or anticipated difficulty in obtaining materials required for purposes of export trade have been brought to my notice. No general system of priority certificates is at present in operation, but my Department is always ready to give any possible assistance to exporters and to take up cases of difficulty with the appropriate authority with a view to facilitating the prompt delivery of supplies.
§ 14. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking any steps to curtail the consumption of non-essential commodities so as to liberate them for export.
§ Mr. StanleyMeasures designed to limit home consumption of non-essential goods and to stimulate export trade are receiving the careful consideration of the Government as part of the general problem of ensuring the best use of the country's resources.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to state the intentions of the Government in this matter?
§ Mr. StanleyI could not say.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a matter of urgent importance and ought not to be delayed?
§ Mr. StanleyIt is not being delayed.
§ Mr. StanleyI will bear the Noble Lady's opinion in mind.