HC Deb 28 October 1946 vol 428 c274
42. Miss Colman

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the total production of perambulators was exported during the first nine months of this year; and whether he will consider retaining the whole of the output for the home market while the present shortage lasts.

Sir S. Cripps

Complete production returns are only available for the first eight months of this year. Total production of perambulators and folders for this period amounted to 340,320, of which 36,507 were exported, or only 10.4 per cent. of the whole. I should be most reluctant to follow my hon. Friend's suggestion to cut out exports altogether, even for a temporary period, as a small flow of exports is essential to maintain overseas connections.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are very short of perambulators in Kent?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how the number of perambulators compares with the number of babies now needing them?

Sir S. Cripps

I am afraid that I cannot say.