HC Deb 08 July 1947 vol 439 cc2036-7
66. Mr. Orbach

asked the President of the Board of Trade what official notification he has received of the ban on importation of textiles imposed by the Argentine Central Bank; and, in view of our large purchases in that country, what steps he proposes to take to balance our trade.

Mr. Belcher

Reports have been received from His Majesty's Embassy at Buenos Aires of the recent suspension of exchange permits for imports from all sources of textiles and other consumer goods. We share the concern of the United Kingdom exporters at this sudden blow to the restoration of our export trade with Argentina and His Majesty's Ambassador has already made our views known to the Argentine authorities.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Would the hon. Gentleman say on what date this ban was first imposed?

Mr. Belcher

I am afraid that I cannot, but I believe that it was within the last four weeks.

Mr. Orbach

Can the Minister give a list of the different items upon which the ban has been imposed?

Mr. Belcher

Not without notice.