§ 22. Mr. Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of furniture exports from the United Kingdom in the last available period.
§ Mr. Low£643,000 of wooden furniture and £2,541,000 of metal furniture during the first five months of this year.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that the exports of wooden furniture are particularly low? Will he say what the Board of Trade is doing to try to stimulate a higher level of exports in this regard?
§ Mr. LowThe exports of wooden furniture are, in fact, slightly higher than last year. We would certainly welcome an expansion of these exports and are in touch with the industry.
§ Mr. GaitskellIs it the intention of the Government to maintain the very severe restrictions on hire purchase in this country in order to stimulate exports?