§ 81. Mr. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Coronation medals, badges and brooches, made in Germany and Japan, of metals not permitted to be so used in Britain, are being distributed in this country; and what steps he is taking to protect British traders from such foreign competition.
§ Mr. H. StraussImport licences are not being granted for the import of Coronation medals, badges and brooches from Japan. Medals, badges and brooches could be imported from a number of other foreign countries, including Western Germany, under quotas for certain goods such as imitation jewellery, but imports of such goods have been severely restricted for balance of payments reasons and are also subject to an import duty.
Licences which were issued under these quotas in 1951 are valid until 30th June, 1952, and licences issued this year are valid until 31st December, 1952. The question of further measures to restrict imports of Coronation souvenirs from foreign countries is under consideration.