§ 2. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a list of commodities, produced in this country and exported abroad, which are in short supply for home consumption.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)Owing to the heavy demands on labour and materials for the war effort, such a list as my hon. Friend has in mind would include practically all consumption goods.
§ Mr. DaviesCan my right hon. Friend clear away the point that occurs to a lot of people that we are exporting commodities we could do with ourselves in this country?
§ Mr. DaltonCriticism generally runs along the other line, that we ought to be exporting more than we are doing.
§ Mr. DaviesIt depends on the point of view.
§ Mr. DaltonAs the House knows, I have had, much against my inclination, to restrict exports very severely and to limit them to the requirements of our Allies, and of those parts of the Empire which depend on us for supplies.