HC Deb 17 May 1960 vol 623 cc1081-3
23. Mr. Ginsburg

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state for the years 1954 and 1959, in respect of washing machines and domestic refrigerators, both the value of the goods imported and the ratio of the imports against the exports.

Mr. Maudling

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I am circulating the available information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Ginsburg

While looking forward to those figures with very great interest, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether they are not very disturbing from the balance of payments point of view? Will not they show that there has been a consistent fall in our exports of these two manufactured products and a systematic increase in the importation of them? Does not this suggest that our export drive is lagging in this regard? Also, do not the figures show a danger of prematurely liberalising our imports without ensuring that there is a sustained export drive?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think that that is very relevant to the question of liberalising imports, but I must agree that our export achievement in this sector recently has been disappointing. I know that the industry is well aware of our feelings in the matter, and it is now making vigorous efforts to try to improve its export record.

Mr. Ginsburg

Further to that reply, may I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to an article in the Westminster Bank Review? Would it not be correct to say that there has been a very marked increase also in the imports of these products? Is the Minister aware that that increase is going on at present and is it not rather disturbing?

Mr. Maudling

It is perfectly true that there has been a big increase recently in the import of manufactured goods generally but the last issue of the National Institute Economic Review showed that a balanced liberalisation generally of trade and manufactured goods has helped this country. The inference from that, of course, is that we should be competitive.

Following is the information:

Item 1954 1959
United Kingdom imports United Kingdom exports Imports as a percentage of exports United Kingdom imports United Kingdom exports Imports as a percentage of exports
£'000 £'000 per cent. £'000 £'000 per cent.
Domestic refrigerators, complete (including complete mechanical units) … 184 7,806 2 3,169 4,025 78
Parts … n/a n/a — 254 3,799 —
Domestic electric washing machines, complete (including dryers and combined washers and dryers) … n/a 4,562 — 3,998 4,441 90
Parts … n/a 598 — n/a 973 —
Note.—The figures may not be completely comparable as between imports and exports or as tween 1954 and 1959.