HC Deb 13 November 1947 vol 444 cc518-9
3. Mr. Shephard

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that in the event of goods made for the export markets being unsaleable overseas, they will be released for the home market.

Mr. H. Wilson

It may be necessary, in special cases, to allow release on the home market of goods made for export where all possible steps have been taken to provide the expected export outlet and have failed. I hope, however, that such cases will be exceptional, and they will only be considered when I am quite satisfied that every effort has been made to dispose of the goods overseas.

Mr. Shephard

Is the Minister aware that quite considerable quantities of goods are already frozen owing to the fact that producers are not able to get import licences, and will he take steps to release those goods to the home market without any delay?

Mr. Wilson

In those cases, we are pressing the manufacturers or exporters concerned to redouble their efforts to sell in some other market, and, in some cases, we are also pressing the Government responsible for the import restrictions to remove them.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Is the Minister aware that there are instances, such as those in South Africa, where the warehouses are full of English refrigerators which cannot be disposed of out there?

Mr. Spence

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very long time that elapses before an export is considered to be frustrated by his Department?

Mr. Wilson

I think it is right that a long time should elapse; we should see that every effort is made to sell the goods abroad.