HC Deb 22 February 1955 vol 537 cc1055-6
30. Mr. J. Harrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government propose to take to ascertain the causes for the decline in exports from the United Kingdom, especially between this country and Canada; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this position.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Exports from the United Kingdom have gone up, not down. In 1954 we sold a record amount both in volume and in value. This record was achieved despite the fall in exports to Canada due to a shrinkage in Canadian demand, which was felt equally by Canadian manufacturers. I am confident that this is only a temporary phase, and that our manufacturers and exporters will continue their efforts to retain their share of this important market.

Mr. Harrison

I wanted to direct the President's attention to those countries, our exports to which have fallen, and Canada was a particular example. Is he satisfied that all the steps he has taken up to the present are the only steps to remedy this very difficult and dangerous position? I think that the figure is a 12 per cent. fall in the export trade.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Both industry and the Government have done very well in this situation.