HC Deb 19 November 1953 vol 520 cc1887-8
21. Captain Duncan

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increase of the imports of barley from Canada, from 559,180 cwts. in the first nine months of 1952, to 8,861,750 cwts. in the same period of 1953; and how much of this was paid for in sterling.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir. Payment for these imports would be in dollars.

Captain Duncan

While welcoming the extension of inter-Imperial trade, does not my right hon. Friend realise that there is a possibility of endangering our balance of payments as between dollars and sterling if this sort of increase goes on? Will he put a ceiling on it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, this trade is now on private account, and I think it is necessary to take a rather broader view over a longer period before drawing any particular assumption.

Mr. Stokes

If I put down a Question, will the right hon. Gentleman tell me how much of this barley went into the manufacture of whisky?

Mr. Thorneycroft

If the right hon. Gentleman puts down any Question I shall try to answer it.

Mr. Bottomley

If we are to allow private enterprise to spend dollars freely shall we not be in great economic trouble once again through the failure of the Government to do their job?