§ Sir G. Jonesasked the President of the Board of trade whether he is aware of the rapid rise in the price of manufactured diamonds; that this is due to the hoarding of diamonds by the public as a safeguard against inflation; that the said rise in price is preventing the development of the export trade in manufactured diamonds which might otherwise take place, in view of the considerable number of diamond cutters, sawers, and polishers who have recently arrived in this country; and whether he will take any steps to develop such export trade?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe suggestions made by my hon. Friend have already been 33W brought to my notice, and the position is being examined by my Department in consultation with the other Departments concerned. As my hon. Friend may be aware, the supply of jewels, including diamonds, for sale to the public is subject to severe restriction under the Limitation of Supplies (Miscellaneous) (No. 5) Order.