HC Deb 22 July 1952 vol 504 cc267-8
31. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, when deciding new import quotas of silk fabric, he will take into account the trade recession which now exists in the industry in this country.

Mr. Mackeson

Yes, Sir. The availability of supplies from home production will certainly be taken into account together with all other relevant considerations.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that one of the causes for the recession in the silk trade is because of the generous quota allowed to foreign manufacturers by the previous Administration? Will my hon. Friend deal with this matter at the earliest possible opportunity?

Mr. Mackeson

The quotas for this year have been fixed and are considerably lower than imports last year.