§ 27. Mr. Jayasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in any further relaxa- 1186 tion of controls on imports into the United Kingdom, he will give priority to food rather than manufactured goods.
§ Mr. MackesonNo, Sir. I do not think it is practicable to lay down any general order of priority such as the right hon. Member suggests. We shall endeavour to maintain a reasonable balance between the requirements of our own economy and the economic and commercial interests of the countries which normally trade with us.
§ Mr. JayAs the Government made the main cut a year ago in foodstuffs, why do they now give so much higher priority to goods like decorated pottery and textiles? Will they not consider the home consumer as well as the foreign producer?
§ Mr. MackesonYes, Sir, all these considerations are borne in mind.