§ The EARL OF MANSFIELD asked His Majesty's Government if they are aware of the inconvenience now being caused to many thousands of people through their watches being out of order, with no spare parts available in this country for their repair; if it is correct that a Swiss firm offered to supply £40,000 worth of spare parts, free of charge, but were refused permission to import them; and when it is proposed, particularly in view of the small amount of sterling-exports involved, to permit the importation of sufficient material, to satisfy the reasonable needs of watchmakers.
§ LORD PAKENHAM: His Majesty's Government are unaware of any offer of the kind referred to In the question. Licences for the importation from Switzerland of spare parts for watches are being granted to the extent of about twice the value of pre-war imports.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before seven o'clock.