§ 9. Mr. Piratinasked the President of the Board of Trade how many washing machines were imported from the United States of America during 1948; and what was their value.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI regret that this information is not available as washing machines are not distinguished separately in the trade returns.
§ Mr. PiratinCould the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether washing machines have been imported, and would he give this information to the House? British firms manufacturing these machines are now becoming redundant, and it is not necessary to import these machines from the United States.
§ Mr. WilsonIt is a fact that domestic electrically-operated washing machines are on the token imports list, and the few that may have come in have undoubtedly come in as token imports, with which I am sure the hon. Gentleman would not wish to interfere.