§ 37. Mr. Russellasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the total exports of bottle-washing machinery to Australia in 1950, 1951 and 1952 to the latest convenient date; and if he will make representations to the Australian Government against their refusal to issue further licences.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI regret that this information is not available. Bottle-washing machinery is not separately distinguished in the official trade statistics. My Department have written to the manufacturers who are, I understand, principally concerned, and the United Kingdom Senior Trade Commissioner in Australia has been asked to make inquiries. When I have his report the matter can be considered further.
§ 38. Mr. Awberyasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent exports to Australia have fallen during the past nine months as compared with the equivalent period last year; and what are the chief industries affected in this country.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftUnited Kingdom exports to Australia during the first nine months of this year were valued at £179 million compared with £222 million in 1116 the corresponding period of 1951. A wide range of industries was affected, but the decline in exports was particularly marked in the textiles group and in the motor industry.
§ Mr. AwberyWhat action is the right hon. Gentleman taking now to provide work for the people thrown out of employment as the result of the loss of orders from Australia?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThese questions of intra-Imperial trade will be among those which will fall to be discussed during the forthcoming conference.