HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1025-6
27. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to assist the hosiery and woollen goods industry to increase its exports.

Mr. Low

The exporters of hosiery and knitwear are served by an active export group, which is in close touch with the Board of Trade on day-to-day problems affecting particular markets. All the services of information, help and advice provided by the Board of Trade and overseas officers for exporters generally are, of course, available to the industry; so are the facilities for export credit insurance offered by the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Mr. Bottomley

But hosiery and woollen exports are falling. Are we to wait until they have fallen to the extent that motor car exports have fallen before the Government contemplate taking action?

Mr. Low

I do not think that there is any reason to be so pessimistic. Certainly the total exports of hosiery and other knitted goods so far this year are not quite as good as they were a year ago, but in some parts of the trade great steps are being taken to do all that can be done, and I am sure that the industry is alive to the importance of increasing its exports.

Commander Donaldson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the greatest difficulty being experienced by the woollen and hosiery trades upon the borders of Scotland is in relation to employees? What is needed is the establishment of new light industries which would attract workers whose womenfolk would be available to the woollen and hosiery employers and so enable them to fulfil the contracts upon their order books.

Mr. Low

I will see that my right hon. Friend is made aware of my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.