HC Deb 13 December 1957 vol 579 cc175-6W
Sir T. Moore

asked the President of the Board of Trade what list of priorities exists as to which quotas imposed by Great Britain on Western European imports will be abandoned or relaxed as soon as there is any improvement in the balance of payments position; and what is the position of Dutch flower bulbs so far as this list of priorities is concerned.

Sir D. Eccles

The items to be removed from control when further liberalisation becomes possible must depend upon the circumstances at the time.

Sir T. Moore

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in connection with his decision to remove the present restrictions on the imports of Dutch flower bulbs as soon as the balance of payments permits, whether he proposes to base his decision on the position of Great Britain's balance of payments with the world, or with Western European countries or with Holland; and to what extent the abolition of this quota will depend on a change in the present trade balance between Great Britain and Holland.

Sir D. Eccles

The Government must think mainly of our general balance of payments position.