§ 19. Dr. Strossasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of all forms of china, earthenware and sanitary ware exported to Australia in the last quarters of 1951 and 1952; and what estimate he has made of recovery in these export figures in the near future.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftExports of china, earthenware and sanitary ware to Australia during the last quarters of 1951 and 1952 were valued at £1,063,000 and £169,000, respectively. It is not possible to make the estimate for which the hon. Member asks in the last part of the Question.
§ Dr. StrossWill the President bear in mind that exports of these commodities, certainly china and earthenware, to Australia require specific decorations to fulfil the particular type of demand? That being the case, it is difficult to re-export them to any other part of the world easily, and if the right hon. Gentleman can make representations to the Australian Government, will he please assure them that that is a further problem and difficulty of our manufacturers here?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI hope, of course, that the exports of these goods may benefit somewhat from the relaxations recently announced by the Australian Government.
§ Mr. GaitskellCould the right hon. Gentleman say whether these articles are affected by the increase in tariffs in Australia announced a few days ago?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftNot without notice.