§ 28. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that, as a result of a survey made by the Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, it is clear that the prices of many consumer goods from the United Kingdom are more expensive than the price of similar articles from the United States of America and Canada, and that there is growing dissatisfaction that consumers are compelled to buy from the sterling area; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsSome imports from the United Kingdom are dearer than similar goods from the United States and Canada. It is quite true that owing to the shortage of American and Canadian dollars imports from those countries have to be carefully controlled by import licensing. My right hon. Friend is aware of the difficulties and importance of this problem and has it under examination.
§ Mr. GammansDoes the Colonial Office realise the economic and political repercussions of this sort of thing, which, if it continues—if the disparity continues 1251 —must either mean dissatisfaction with this country, as the people with whom my Question is concerned are compelled to take goods at higher prices, or else lead to the loss by us of markets on which we must rely to balance our external trade?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe Colonial Office realises all the implications.