HC Deb 03 June 1946 vol 423 cc1596-7
25. Mr. Challen

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the value of the furs that have been imported from the U.S.A. during the three months ending 31st May; and what this represents in dollars.

Mr. Belcher

Imports of fur skins from the United States during the first four months of this year were valued, c.i.f., at £1.4 million. The dollar cost of these imports is not available, nor is it possible yet to give the value of the imports during May.

Mr. Challen

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that advertisements have appeared in the Press advertising large forthcoming consignments of furs from America? Does he not consider this a misuse of dollars, which should be prohibited?

Mr. Belcher

So far as I know, practically all these furs have been undressed fur skins, and I do not think that a figure of £1.4 million for the first four months of this year indicates a tremendous flow of furs into this country, or a corresponding export of dollars.