HC Deb 29 November 1951 vol 494 c1709
43. Mr. F. J. Erroll

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the present method of purchasing raw tobacco for British cigarette factories, together with details of methods adopted to ensure economy in the use of dollars.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

All unmanufactured tobacco is bought on private account, mainly at auctions in the producing countries. By arrangement with the companies, the dollar expenditure which manufacturers are authorised to incur is kept as low as is compatible with maintaining an adequate supply of cigarettes for the home and export trades.

Mr. Erroll

Will the Minister bear in mind the success of this method when considering the re-opening of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange?

Mr. Thorneycroft

This Question refers to tobacco. If my hon. Friend wishes to ask about cotton, perhaps he will put a Question on the Order Paper.