§ 15. Sir R. Aclandasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage the export of toys following the toy fair at Harrogate.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe expansion of the export trade in toys is a matter for the toy industry. This industry has, in fact, done remarkably well, having nearly doubled the value of its export trade in the last seven years. The industry knows very well the services that my Department can give it and it is the Government's policy at all times to give the fullest encouragement and support to it, as to all other exporters.
§ Sir R. AclandHas the Minister seen the open letter in their official paper saying that export orders booked at the trade fair have been frustrated as they cannot get cardboard boxes in the next four months because the manufacturers of detergents have bought up all the 990 supplies in the country in order to over stock the grocers and ironmongers with over-advertised goods? What does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do about it?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI think that the hon. Gentleman is seeking, in a roundabout way, support for a rather doubtful Measure of his.
§ Mr. BottomleyDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that our vital export trade, to which the toy industry has made great contributions, may suffer as a result of this? Will he not do something to help toy manufacturers?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIf there is any specific problem which they wish to put to me, I shall certainly do what I can.