HC Deb 15 June 1951 vol 488 cc2687-8
Mr. R. S. Hudson

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the firm whose name has been given to him is purchasing in large numbers heavy duty tyres for cash, with the apparent intention of exporting them to the Far East, and whether export licences have been granted to this firm to cover these transactions.

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Hartley Shawcross)

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman, as well as to the other hon. Members who have brought matters of this kind to my notice. I am having them investigated. The present restrictions should be clearly understood by all concerned. All tyres of a nominal cross-section of seven inches or more require a licence when exported from the United Kingdom to destinations other than the Commonwealth or the United States. Licences would not be issued for exports to China. Moreover, Hong Kong now prohibits the export of all tyres to China and the Government of India have adopted a similar policy. If, however, any persons are attempting to get round these controls, I shall not hesitate to take whatever measures may be necessary to put an end to such discreditable practices and to name the individuals concerned. In saying that I must pay tribute to the assistance I have received from the trade associations in avoiding any such abuses.

Mr. Hudson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this statement will be received with great satisfaction by all decent merchants throughout the country?

Mr. Reader Harris

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that there is more than one firm that is at the moment going round purchasing tyres for cash and that there is the greatest disquiet among tyre distributors about the extent of the activities of these firms which extend from the North of Scotland to the South of England, and that there are at this moment tyres awaiting export on the docks?

Sir H. Shawcross

The hon. Member was. I think, amongst those who were kind enough to give me privately—and I am very much obliged to him—some information about particular firms or individuals who were thought to be engaged in this practice. I am having all these cases investigated as fully as I can, and we shall take whatever steps are open to us now. If these powers are not adequate, we shall consider what further powers we may need.