§ Mr. Holmanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that banks are restricting discount on bills which were previously freely discounted and which are insured by the Export Credit Guarantee Department; and what advice he has tendered to the banks in connection with the restriction of commercial credit for exports.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have no reason to suppose that the banks are restricting discount of these bills or that in dealing with them they have regard to any considerations other than those of sound banking practice. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Ealing, South (Mr. Maude) on 7th December, 1951, I have asked the banks to ensure the highest priority for credit for our exports.