HC Deb 25 March 1974 vol 871 cc14-5
14. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will exclude steel tube and tube fittings from the scope of export licensing.

Mr. Meacher

I have already arranged for steel tube and pipe with tube and pipe fittings to be placed on an open general licence, which allows export of these products without restriction.

Mr. Miller

In thanking the Minister for his action, may I ask him whether he was aware that these items were apparently wrongly included in the first place and that the licensing procedure led to serious delay in exports?

Mr. Meacher

The licensing was initially brought in, of course, on 18th February under the last administration, and I take note of the point made by the hon. Gentleman.