HC Deb 17 April 1940 vol 359 cc968-9
57. Sir G. Gibson

asked the Minister of Supply whether, as goods cannot be made for export without raw materials, he will direct all controls to try, in cases of doubt, to find reasons promptly why they should release materials for making goods to increase our exchange credits arising from export trade rather than reasons for delaying or refusing release?

Colonel Llewellin

My hon. Friend may be assured that wherever there is a marked shortage in the supply of a raw material an allocation is made by the Priority Sub-Committee, over which I preside, for the purposes of the export trade, and the allocation is administered by the Board of Trade in conjunction with the Controller concerned.

Sir G. Gibson

Is my hon. and gallant Friend perfectly satisfied that there is no delay in granting the release of materials necessary for the completion of orders for export trade?

Colonel Llewellin

In some cases that must inevitably be so, but we are trying to see that a supply of raw materials to producers of essential articles, whether for the Service Departments or the export trade, is facilitated to the greatest possible extent. The steps we are now taking in respect of one or two raw materials will, I think, have that effect.

Sir G. Gibson

Further to that reply, may I ask what is to happen to firms which have no priority certificates, because they are sub-contractors, and who wish to obtain these facilities for receiving raw materials for the export trade?

Colonel Llewellin

In fact, no priority certificate which is enforceable has yet been issued, but allocations have been made, and the Department has given a symbol and a number which are traced down the whole way from the manufacturer to the sub-contractor.

Mr. Leach

Has the Minister any raw materials suitable for the Front Bench?

Sir H. Williams

What steps are to be taken by a manufacturer, such as one in my constituency, who, for two months, has been trying to obtain a ration of steel in order to make umbrella ribs for umbrellas for export trade?

Colonel Llewellin

He should apply to the Board of Trade for the necessary permission, and the Board, if they think it a vital export, will no doubt give him the amount of steel necessary to make the umbrella ribs.

Sir H. Williams

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that I made that application two months ago and that I got nothing in return except paper?