HC Deb 22 July 1946 vol 425 c1655
18. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade by how much the actual delivery of leather fell below the quota allocations for the last period; add if he has any report to give as to the success of his Department recently in purchasing hides and skins.

Sir S. Cripps

Returns of deliveries of leather during the June quarter are not yet complete, but I will send the information to the hon. Member as soon as it is ready. As regards the second part of the Question, while it would be premature to draw firm conclusions, purchases have increased considerably this month.

Mr. Osborne

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that during the previous quarter the licensed allocations were not delivered, in full, and why has he allowed leather to be exported from this country when it could have been made up here, thereby providing more employment and more dollars?

Sir S. Cripps

Perhaps the hon. Member would put that question on the Paper.