§ 15. Dr. Strossasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to increase the volume of pottery exports to Western Germany to the value of imports into Britain of German pottery.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftAll imports of domestic pottery from Western Germany to the United Kingdom are free of import restrictions. Western Germany retains a quota on the import of earthenware tableware from the United Kingdom; other pottery imports from the United Kingdom are free from restriction. We shall endeavour to secure better treatment for our exports of earthenware tableware in the negotiations which are due to be resumed early in March.
§ Dr. StrossWhile thanking the President for the reassurance which he gave that there will be a review, is it not true that last year we were restricted to about £80,000 worth and that in the first six months of last year Western Germany exported to us £1 million of fancy pottery goods? Will he bear this in mind and realise that north Staffordshire cannot afford to subsidise Western Germany?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftWithout stating the figures—we do not generally state the figures of a quota—there is no question but that we were put in a disadvantageous position, and we will certainly press this matter to the best of our ability in the talks which are to be resumed.