Exports

HC Deb 15 March 1956 vol 550 c543

23. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade why exports have not expanded consistently with the increase in production since 1953.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Between 1953 and 1955 the volume of exports in fact increased at about the same rate as industrial production, though not sufficiently to meet the needs of our balance of payments. The reason we did not do better was mainly due to excessive home demand.

Mr. Bottomley

Is not the excessive home demand entirely due to the Government's policy? Will the President not give further consideration to the very reasonable proposition put by the Opposition to help the export trade?

Mr. Thorneycroft

No. The excessive home demand is due to a large number of factors, including wage rises and many other matters of that kind.