§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is the case that the Consultative Committee has sanctioned the export to China by Japan of an aggregate of 15,000 tons of galvanised sheets, and whether, if British firms were to apply for licences to export a similar tonnage of galvanised sheets, the licences would be granted.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, it is correct that 1073 the export by Japan to China of 15,000 tons of galvanised iron sheets was authorised, after consultations in the China Committee of the Consultative Group. Subject to supplies being available, consideration is given to all applications by British firms to export: similar sheets to China.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. Could he inform the House of the tonnage exported by British firms, and whether, when applications for these licences are made, urgency is a matter of first consideration in dealing with them?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, since September 1 last we have licensed the export of nearly 4,000 tons of galvanised iron sheets to China. With regard to the second half of the noble Viscount's supplementary question, I can assure him that expedition is always exercised when these applications are made. Provided that all the necessary information is given, I think that the average time taken to pass one of these applications is not more than a week.