HC Deb 26 April 1949 vol 464 cc21-2
39. Mr. Joynson-Hicks

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much whisky was exported from Great Britain to Tangier in 1948.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. John Edwards)

I regret that this information is not available as exports to Tangier are not separately distinguished in the trade returns.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that despite the fact that Tangier is prepared to buy large quantities of whisky for dollars he has no idea of how much dollar currency we can earn in this way?

Mr. Edwards

The point is that the returns for Tangier are included with those for Morocco. The figures as a whole are 3,609 proof gallons valued at £8,092. I have not separate figures for Tangier.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that whisky can be sold in Tangier for dollars, which so far as I know does not apply to Morocco? Would it not be worth while for this country to earn dollars in that way?

Mr. Edwards

The Question I was asked was not concerned with the earning of dollars but with actual export figures, which I am unable to give for the reasons I have stated.

Mr. Nicholson

Will the Parliamentary Secretary look into the matter, with special reference to the dollar earning possibilities?

Mr. Edwards indicated assent