HC Deb 07 July 1953 vol 517 c1035
21. Mr. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity of tobacco pipes imported into the United Kingdom in the first five months of 1953; and what quantity came from Malta and other Commonwealth countries, respectively.

Mr. Mackeson

Imports of tobacco pipes during January to May, 1953, amounted to 8,440 gross of which 661 gross were sent from Malta and 83 gross from other Commonwealth countries.

Mr. Russell

Is my hon. Friend satisfied with these figures so far as Malta and the other Commonwealth countries are concerned?

Mr. Mackeson

That is really a question for the Maltese producers and the Commonwealth producers. They have a 20 per cent. preference.

Captain Ryder

Will the Minister bear in mind the special need to encourage industries of this kind in Malta, and can he say whether these imports are increasing or decreasing?

Mr. Mackeson

I cannot answer the latter part of the supplementary question, but it is very largely a matter for the producers. These countries naturally want to export here, but they have a preference and it is a generous one.