§ 92. Sir H. Lucas-Toothasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total quantity and value of imports into the United Kingdom during the year 1947 of the proprietary brand of silver vitellin known as Argyrol; to what extent such imports were necessary to meet a deficiency in the domestic supply, or, what other reason was there for the expenditure of dollars on this commodity; and whether it is intended to permit further imports during the current year.
§ Mr. BottomleyImports of Argyrol are not shown separately in the monthly Trade and Navigation Accounts of the United Kingdom, but import licences were issued during the year 1947 for a total quantity of 13,780 oz., valued at £3,254. Imports were made under the token imports scheme and not because of any deficiency in the domestic supply. As regards imports during the current year. I have at present nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Monslow) on 18th December.