HC Deb 17 June 1941 vol 372 cc468-9
16. Mr. Hannah

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he realises that: certain firms which, in accordance with the Government's policy of stimulating exports, have sent travellers to tropical America and elsewhere to explore the possibility of demand for their products with encouraging results, are now granted no special consideration in the allotment of export licences with the result that the fruits of their efforts are likely to be lost to the commercial rivals of this country; and will he see that progressive firms striving to discover new markets for British goods are given every support. by the Government?

Mr. Lyttelton

Much as I appreciate the efforts of these firms and regret the hardship which a selective policy in exports undoubtedly entails, I fear my hon. Friend's suggestion is not practicable, since it would involve discrimination which would be unfair to other sections of the export trade. Our export policy at present has to be governed by the considerations set oat in the statement which I made on 29th April.

Mr. Hannah

Are the Government aware that a Bilston firm, at great difficulty and expense, obtained an order for heat-resisting glass in tropical America, in accordance with the Government's scheme for boosting exports, and that now an export: licence is refused?

Mr. Lyttelton

War brings changes.

Sir Granville Gibson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the end of last year very large orders were obtained in Lima, Peru, and that those goods are lying in this country at the present time, waiting for the exporters to get a licence? Will my right hon. Friend grant special facilities for the liquidation of those orders?

Mr. Lyttelton

That has already been done.