HC Deb 19 July 1967 vol 750 c2112
63. Mr. Brian Parkyn

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimates he has made of the effect of the present blockage of the Suez Canal to shipping on the import to this country of essential raw materials apart from oil.

Mr. Jay

There should be only a temporary interruption to these imports, about one-sixth of which normally come through the Canal.

Mr. Parkyn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that several leather firms in my constituency are seriously embarrassed by the delay in getting skins to this country? Is he further aware that almost 100 per cent. of the output of these firms goes to our export business?

Mr. Jay

If my hon. Friend has particular difficulties of this kind in mind, I would be very glad to help him if he would give me information about them. In general, fortunately, only about one-sixth of these materials come through the Canal.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Can the President of the Board of Trade give any indication on the general effect on prices, apart from oil?

Mr. Jay

No, Sir. Certainly not without notice.