§ Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the complaints of workers on the North-east coast, and elsewhere, regarding the absence of low or reasonably priced watches; and whether steps can be taken to meet this situation?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am aware that all war-time shortages give rise to complaints. As cheap watches and watch parts are not made here, and are not procurable from America, the only country which could now supply us with more watches of this type would be Switzerland. Import licences are being issued for limited imports of Swiss watches, but in view of the urgent need for conserving Swiss exchange I regret that additional importation from this source could not be justified.