Mr. Amoryasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a substantial proportion of the present production of plain net machines is, at the moment, being exported, while the home industry has to wait for delivery, both of new machines and spare parts; and whether, as the annual export selling value of finished net per machine is at least twice the value of a machine, he will ensure that the needs of the home industry for new machines and spare parts are met in full before machinery, which is solely produced in this country, is exported.
§ Mr. BottomleyIn 1947 the home industry received the major share of these machines, and by far the larger share of spare parts. The future programme is now under consideration and full account is being taken of the importance of the home demands, but I can give no assurance that they will receive overriding preference.