HC Deb 13 February 1947 vol 433 c528
44. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the representations made to him by Messrs. John Robertson and Sons, Aberdeen, whether he can now see his way to grant them a licence to import sherry and plain wood casks and cooperage and, if not, what are the prospects of such a licence being granted in the near future.

Sir T. Moore

On a point of Order. Does not this Question suffer from the same disabilities as the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Hector Hughes) described in regard to Question No. 41—that it is trivial?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that is a point of Order. It is a point of repartee.

Sir T. Moore

With respect, Mr. Speaker, I am following upon the point of Order raised by the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for North Aberdeen, which you accepted, and I am asking whether this Question is not subject to the same disability as to which the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member referred in regard to that other Question—that it is trivial?

Mr. Speaker

I said that I did not know, and that I would have a look at it later.

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Stafford Cripps)

My hon. and learned Friend will by now have received a letter on this matter, which was sent to him on 8th February.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that this correspondence has been going on since May, 1946, and now Messrs Robertson have been referred to the Import Licensing Board, and as the matter is urgent for them, will he do something to allow them to get on with their business?

Sir S. Cripps

We are taking the necessary action.

Mr. James Hudson

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that on account of the absorption of good currency, good labour and good shipping space, it is an entirely trivial request on the part of anyone to ask for further imports of this type of commodity?