HC Deb 26 November 1969 vol 792 cc400-1
1967 Sir G. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board of Trade what contribution to the balance of payments has been made by import substitution; and whether he will make a statement as to achievements of that policy, duly quantified,ad valorem,

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

It is not possible to put a figure to the total contribution made by import substitution to the balance of payments.

Sir G. Nabarro

Why is it that the Board of Trade Ministers keep on boasting about all the wonderful results of their import substitution policies if they cannot bring to the House a modicum of evidence that those policies are succeeding in the matter of either apples or horticultural products of any kind, or in any raw material?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will be delighted with the rapid exploitation of North Sea gas, which is likely to save about £25 million worth of imports this year and £50 million worth next year, to mention just one item.

Sir G. Nabarro

In view of the highly unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice once again that I will raise these matters on the Adjournment.

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