HC Deb 08 December 1955 vol 547 cc94-5W
92. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many, and which, European countries impose restrictions upon imports of British pottery; and what steps he is taking to negotiate the removal of these trade barriers.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Nine Western European countries, namely, Denmark, Finland, France, Western Germany, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. In the Sovietbloc countries the import of all goods is controlled.

We have secured quotas for our pottery exports under trade agreements with Denmark, France, Western Germany, Norway and Portugal, and we shall continue to negotiate for such quotas wherever we feel we can usefully do so.

93. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade which Commonwealth countries impose quota restrictions on imports of British pottery; and what representations he is making to remove these trade barriers.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Imports of domestic pottery are subject to varying degrees of restriction in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Pakistan. These restrictions, which affect pottery less severely than many other consumer goods, form part of general measures taken by the Governments concerned to protect their balance of payments and representations would not be appropriate.