HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 cc1632-3
18 and 24. Mr. George Craddock

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give details of the measures taken by Her Majesty's Government to help wool exporters;

(2) if he is aware that wool exports have fallen by 30 per cent.; and what steps he is contemplating to deal with this matter.

Mr. Jay

A special grant has been made to assist the industry's sales promotion in the United States. Representations have been made to foreign Governments on matters of concern to wool manufacturers. The industry has also taken advantage of the full range of general export services provided by the Government.

Mr. Craddock

I appreciate the difficulties, but is my right hon. Friend aware that the reduction in the wool trade from the heavy wool districts throughout the world has dropped by 30 per cent. of £160 million annually? This is a serious matter. Will he take further steps to meet the interests involved to see what can be done to help the trade?

Mr. Jay

The figure of reduction quoted by my hon. Friend is over a long period of years, and the industry is still exporting at the rate of over £70 million annually. But I shall be extremely glad to do anything further we can to help.