HC Deb 31 July 1946 vol 426 c203W
Sir W. Smithers

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the fact that he downpointed coats and costumes from 18 points to 12 in the spring of 1946, but gave no relief to piece merchants or drapers who had large stocks of similar cloths in the piece and that at the present time the market is glutted with this type of cloth, principally 206 and 208 categories, and in view of the importance of the export trade and that these goods could be sold to Holland and Denmark at once, whether he will give additional permits for export.

Mr. Marquand

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on Monday last.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the cost price of afgalaine dress material for the home trade with 7½d. subsidy is 3s. 2d. per yard, 54-inch width, and that the export price for the same cloth is 4s. 7d. and that, because of this, overseas firms are now buying through indent houses this type of cloth from France and Italy which could be supplied by Britain; and if he will grant export licences for the large stocks of woollen cloths which are at present a drug on the market.

Mr. Marquand

As my right hon. and learned Friend informed the hon. Member on Monday last, export allocations of woollen cloth arc fixed as high as possible in relation to other claims, and he is mistaken in supposing that there are large stocks available for export. The export prices of cloth are not controlled.

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