HC Deb 22 July 1947 vol 440 c1043
57. Mr. Hollis

asked the President of the Board of Trade what undertaking was given by the Government, at the time of the newsprint contract of the Newsprint Supply Company with the North American suppliers, that the necessary dollars and import licences would be available.

Mr. Belcher

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. and learned Friend during the Debate on the import restrictions on 17th July.

Mr. Hollis

Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the statement made by the President of the Board of Trade gave the greatest concern to a most friendly country, and that it would be very much against the public interest if nothing further was said?

Mr. Belcher

I think the statement made by my right hon. Friend was a perfectly full statement of the facts, that His Majesty's Government did say that the currency would be available and owing to changes which occurred in the circumstances, the currency was not available.

Mr. Hollis

How can the hon. Gentleman say the currency was not available?