HC Deb 04 April 1950 vol 473 c1012
79. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to enable South Africa to overcome the difficulties in obtaining supplies of pottery from Britain.

Mr. Bottomley

I am not aware that South Africa has any serious difficulty in obtaining pottery from the United Kingdom. The suspension of imports by South Africa for six months last year has no doubt upset delivery schedules, but we should have no difficulty in shipping pottery against the small import quota available for this and other general merchandise.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will my hon. Friend make investigations in order to ascertain whether what is stated in the Question is correct, and if so, consider what attitude to take?

Mr. Bottomley

I understand that such a statement was made, but I have been given to understand that imports can now flow within the limits stated.