§ 2.35 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will give an assurance that steps are being taken to prevent harmful effects on our export trade to Egypt through local sales of such stores and supplies which are now not required in the Canal depôts.]
§ EARL FORTESCUEMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government have given very careful consideration to the problem of preventing harmful effects on our export trade to Egypt through local sales of surplus stores in the Canal Zone. Discussions have taken place with the Federation of British Industries, and an agreed procedure has been reached.
LORD TEYNHAMMy Lords, in thanking Her Majesty's Government for their reply, I am sure that all trading interests with Egypt will appreciate that these arrangements are now to be made. I should, however, like an assurance that the re-export of stores from Egypt will be freely permitted of such goods as the manufacturers may wish to purchase and dispose of elsewhere than in Egypt. I would also ask whether Her Majesty's Government will arrange for branded goods to have the manufacturers' names or marks eliminated before they are sold, with a view to avoiding injury to the manufacturers' reputation by the marketing of goods which have been unduly long in the stores and may have deteriorated.
§ EARL FORTESCUEMy Lords, I regret that I cannot give the noble Lord an answer to his supplementary questions, but I will bring them to the notice of my right honourable friend.