§ 32. Mr. Russellasked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has formed of the effect on United Kingdom 209 exports of the new import restrictions imposed by the New Zealand Government.
§ Mr. J. RodgersOur exports to New Zealand this year are likely to be slightly less than in 1957, when they were valued at £141 million. I cannot at present estimate how our exports may be affected in 1959, but some further reduction seems possible.
§ Mr. RussellWill my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to see whether something cannot be done to encourage the buying of more New Zealand butter in this country, since that might have the effect of helping New Zealand to buy more exports from us?
§ Mr. RodgersMeasures were taken earlier this year and, as a result of those measures, the price of New Zealand butter has increased by about 25 per cent.
§ Mr. NabarroHas my hon. Friend observed that whereas New Zealand butter is a traditional import into the United Kingdom, a traditional export from the United Kingdom, on the basis of reciprocity, is Kidderminster carpets, at present gravely restricted in their entry into New Zealand?
§ Mr. RodgersNew Zealand has a balance of payments problem of its own, but if my hon. Friend cares to put down a Question about carpets, I will do my best to answer it.