§ 91. Mr. Edward Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that exports of china and earthenware from this country to the Argentine were 30 per cent. less in volume in 1947 than 1938; and whether he will negotiate to reduce the import restrictions in that country so that trade may be expanded.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe reduction in volume was as stated by my hon. Friend, but the value for 1947 was more than double the 1938 figure. The removal of Argentine import restrictions imposed on many classes of United Kingdom goods is one of the subjects under discussion during the negotiations which are now proceeding.
§ 92. Mr. Edward Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade what recommendations have been made by His Majesty's Government to New Zealand and other Dominions to restrict imports of china and earthenware tableware for 1948 to 50 per cent. in value of the 1946 trade; and whether, in view of the adverse effect such a limitation will have on the pottery industry's effort to achieve its target, he will institute negotiations with Dominion Governments to have it removed or improved.
§ Mr. BottomleyNo such specific recommendation has been made.
§ 93. Mr. Edward Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties manufacturers of British earthenware are experiencing in getting import licences for their products for sale in India; and whether he will make representations to the Government of India on the ban imposed for the January-June, 1948, period.
§ Mr. BottomleyYes. The Financial Delegation under Sir Jeremy Raisman, which is at present negotiating with the Government of India in Delhi, have fully in mind the desirability of securing some relaxation of these restrictions.