§ 86 and 87. Mr. Wadeasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that international barriers to trade seriously affect the wool textile industry and that the maintenance of the present volume of exports is endangered; and what action he proposes to take to overcome this;
(2) if he will re-open negotiations with other countries, with a view to the removal of tariff barriers and other restrictions upon international trade.
§ Mr. HopkinsonWe are well aware of the difficulties facing the wool trade in export markets and of the importance of maintaining and, indeed, of increasing the volume of our exports of wool textiles. My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to discuss these matters with a deputation from the industry.
Our own balance of payments difficulties and the restrictions which beset world trade today make it more necessary than ever to avail ourselves of every opportunity to secure freer entry for our exports to overseas markets, and this will continue to be the primary object of policy in all trade negotiations.