§ 6. Mr. Draysonasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that many overseas buyers will be attending the British Industries Fair in May with the object of placing orders with British manufacturers, he will give an assurance that manufacturers in the wool and cotton-textile manufacturing industry who have adequate production facilities will be given free export allocations up to their capacity.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe allocations for export of wool and cotton manufactures are fixed as high as possible having regard to the 622 essential needs of the home market, and it will not be practicable for further allocations to be granted to manufacturers who accept orders at the Fair. I hope, however, that they will be able to execute substantial business within the limits of the normal export allocations.
§ Mr. DraysonCan the Minister give an assurance that firms in regard to export allocation will not be in any less favourable position than they were in 1946?
§ Sir S. CrippsThey will be in the same position, as they were due to the allocation which they have had this year.