§ 13. Mr. C. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade what reply he has sent to the communication sent to him by a Leicester knitwear company, which last year exported 37½ per cent. of its total production as against 12 per cent. exported by the whole trade, complaining that its exports were shut out suddenly by new import restrictions imposed by an overseas Government, and that two other markets had been partially lost by new restrictions; if he will make representations to get these restrictions removed; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the case which he mentioned in his speech in the House on the 22nd February and on which I made some observations later in the debate on that day. I have since discussed the complaints fully with the head of the firm concerned. The restrictions apply to imports from all sources and do not discriminate against those from the United Kingdom, nor are they contrary to the international obligations of the countries concerned. We shall continue to do all we can to help our exporters, but to urge other countries to import goods which they cannot afford benefits neither them nor us.
§ Mr. C. OsborneWhat I am proposing to my right hon. Friend is that where a foreign country arbitrarily and suddenly excludes all imports without giving traders notice, and at times shuts out goods which are on the ocean, actually in transit, he should use his power to say to them that if they do that to our goods we shall use the same powers to stop the stuff which they send to us. Is he aware that the trade could do with some help of that kind, and, if so, will he provide it?
§ Mr. ErrollWe make representations, whenever import cuts are arbitrarily made, to ensure that goods already in transit are allowed into the country and paid for, but it would not be fair for us to try to go further than that.