HC Deb 12 July 1956 vol 556 cc563-5
6. Mr. George Craddock

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Australian import quotas for wool cloth from Great Britain for the third quarter of this year are to be reduced; and what alternative proposals he has for maintaining the level of exports in wool cloth which are essential to the woollen textile trade.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The wool textile industry has already shown great resili-

UNITED KINGDOM EXPORTS TO CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Value £'000
— 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 (January—May)
Woollen and worsted yarns and woven fabrics 98.4 30.1 35.4 101.2 125.6 7.5
Wool tops 139.9 — — 103.7 110.0 18.1
Total of the above 238.2 30.1 35.4 204.9 235.6 25.6
Figures for 1950 are not available on a comparable basis with those for later years.
It is not practicable at this stage to estimate the figure for 1956. A simple projection of the rate for the first five months would not be realistic.

ence in the face of changing conditions in its overseas markets. All the services of my Department are available to assist the industry in the further developments of its exports.

Mr. Craddock

Is the President aware that great concern is being felt now since the Australian Government announced the reduction in their quota for woollen textiles for the third quarter of the year, and will he please look further into this matter, so that we can escape the failure that we have had in the cotton and motor car industries?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes, I am aware of the damaging nature of the Australian cut, though fortunately, in this case, Australia is one of the smaller markets for wool cloth. Out of the total exports of about £68 million only £1.32 million go into that market.

15. Mr. George Craddock

asked the President of the Board of Trade the figures of woollen textiles exported to Czechoslovakia in the years 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, and the estimated figure for 1956.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Craddock

In view of the desire of the woollen textile manufacturers to do additional trade with Czechoslovakia, will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to bring it about?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will certainly endeavour to promote trade in any area where it seems appropriate to do so.

Following is the Answer:

16. Mr. George Craddock

asked the President of the Board of Trade what the quota of exports of wollen textiles will be in value to Australia for the third quarter of this year compared with the March and June quarters of 1956.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

On the basis of past trade, it is estimated that licences to the value of about £170,000 might be used in the present quarter, representing a reduction of about 25 per cent. on the level of the two previous quarters.