HC Deb 13 November 1945 vol 415 c1915
55. Mr. Norman Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the need of imported raw materials and foodstuffs, he is taking steps to prevent British exports from being used up in a reduction of sterling balances.

Mr. Dalton

Far from being used up, the present tendency of overseas sterling balances is to increase.

Mr. Bossom

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that because of the failure to import raw materials for making a certain specialised paper in the manufacture of which England stands alone, we are losing a great amount of foreign export trade which could be obtained at the present time?

Mr. Dalton

That is quite a different question from the one on the Paper and perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

Mr. Bossom

My question concerned the manufacture of specialised paper, medical filter paper, and its raw material, which we are not allowed to import at the present time.

Mr. Dalton

If the hon. Member will put it down I will give him a considered reply.

Mr. Stokes

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean by his reply that raw materials are not being used for the purpose of reducing particular sterling balances?

Mr. Dalton

I endeavoured to answer the Question on the Paper. If another hon. Member wants to put another question, I will be glad to answer it later on.