§ 72. Mr. Profumoasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the considerable difficulties which the British needle industry is facing in the export markets, particularly in respect of France, he will make representations to the French authorities to increase their import quota of British needles so as to achieve fair competition with German manufacturers, thereby ensuring the wellbeing of this industry and those who work in it.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftBecause of balance of payments difficulties, the French authorities are, in general, licensing imports at only one half the rates provided in their trade agreements for 1952. We have, however, asked for exceptional treatment for exports of needles, because of the difficulties of the United Kingdom needle making industry, and I am glad to say that the French authorities have now agreed to licence for the third quarter of this year, imports up to a value of£5,000, nearly double the rate for the second quarter of this year and one third of the quota for the whole year.