HC Deb 07 July 1942 vol 381 c624
19. Mr. Woodburn

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the historical rôle of the bagpipes, he will arrange for permits to be issued for the importation of the necessary quantity of small bagpipe reeds now lying at the Spanish ports?

Mr. Dalton

Licences will be issued for the importation of reeds for musical instruments, but they will be limited to cases where the reeds are required for the manufacture or repair of instruments to meet Service and other essential needs.

Mr. Woodburn

However incomprehensible this taste in music may be to the Sassenachs, there is a demand for bagpipes in very many parts of the world. The manufacture of these reeds takes place in my constituency, by highly skilled persons who are very anxious to retain this export trade. Will my right hon. Friend do what he can to see that small quantities are allowed in?

Mr. Dalton

Perhaps my hon. Friend will discuss it with me further.