HC Deb 05 May 1953 vol 515 cc189-90
21 and 22. Sir D. Robertson

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many companies, firms or individuals were granted licences for imports of fully-fashioned hosiery machinery from the United States of America during the six months ended 24th April, which amounted in value to £42,000; and if he will state the value of the licences granted to Messrs. Howard Ford Limited;

(2) why the application made on 17th April by John Skelton & Son Limited, of Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, for a licence to import fully-fashioned hosiery machines from the United States of America was rejected on the grounds that licences were not issued at present to permit the import of these machines from the United States of America.

Mr. Mackeson

No licences are at present being issued for the import of fully-fashioned hosiery machinery from the United States except in special circumstances. The only licence issued in the six months ended 24th April, 1953, was one to a value of £42,000. This licence allowed the import of reconditioned machinery which was obtainable on attractive terms by a firm with an excellent record of export trade in nylon stockings. It was not in fact issued to Howard Ford Limited.

Sir D. Robertson

Is it not unfortunate that when answering my Question on this matter last week the hon. Gentleman gave that figure as the total imports for the whole industry, without any indication that an amazing preference was given to one firm at a time when no other firms in the industry can get licences?

Mr. Mackeson

I do not agree at all with my hon. Friend. We let this particular item in because of the export performance of the firm concerned. This was machinery which could not be made in this country. If we can make machinery here we certainly do not want to spend dollars on importing it, but if we do import we want to make quite certain that the machinery will assist our exports.

Sir D. Robertson

Is it not a fact that the particular firm named in this Question —which the hon. Member extracted from me with some reluctance as a result of his lack of knowledge last week—is being financed by the Government to build British machines to undertake this work? Why is it that they are being given this amazing preference to buy competitive machines from America?

Mr. Mackeson

Neither of the firms referred to in these Questions was given these licences. The firm concerned is an entirely different one.

Mr. Osborne

May I ask my hon. Friend two questions? First, are any of these fully-fashioned hosiery machines being made in this country and, second, how much public money has been put into the production of this type of machinery here, and with what retsult?

Mr. Mackeson

I must see that question in writing.