HC Deb 28 April 1953 vol 514 cc1942-3
21. Sir D. Robertson

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of dollars made available during the last six months to British manufacturers of fully-fashioned hose for the purchase of new or secondhand United States machines; and what dollar limit he placed on the purchase of each machine.

Mr. Mackeson

The value of licences issued for imports of fully-fashioned hosiery machinery from the United States during the six months ended 24th April, 1953, was £42,000. Only imports for essential purposes have been licensed; no limit has, however, been placed on the value of individual machines.

Sir D. Robertson

Were not all or most of those dollars given to one firm as a preference? If so, why was that preference given?

Mr. Mackeson

I have no knowledge of that. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Order Paper.

Mrs. Mann

Would the hon. Gentleman say exactly what he means about licences being issued for essential purposes? Is it not essential that all women should have fully-fashioned stockings?

Mr. Mackeson

The answer to the hon. Lady is that the determining factor is whether machinery can or cannot be made in this country.