7. Mr. William feelingasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the plastic handbags now being purchased 2252 from the U.S.A. for sale in this country are paid for with money from the U.S Loan.
§ Sir S. CrippsI would refer the hon. Member to the reply about dollar resources given on 28th January by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to the hon. Members for Newbury (Mr. Hurd), Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) and the Forest of Dean (Mr. Philips Price). The goods now referred to are being paid for out of our dollar resources, including the proceeds of the credit from the United States Government.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that ordinary leather handbags made in this country, which are in considerable demand in the United States, are being held up because we cannot get the sewing machines in order to put them together? Would it not be more advisable to purchase sewing machines in the United States with this money, make our own bags. and sell them to, America?
§ Sir S. CrippsI understand that these bags were required for the Christmas market. No others are being imported.