HC Deb 19 November 1946 vol 430 c75W
116. Mr. J. McKay

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, on 7th October, Victor Products, Limited, Wallsend, wrote to his Department pointing out that they had received large orders in France for mining machinery which had to he reduced owing to the lack of sterling in France to complete the purchases; that arising out of this financial position a large export trade is being crippled; and if he will take steps to overcome this so that this company can develop this export business for the present with a view to maintaining in the future.

Mr. Marquand

The firm have been informed that we are making inquiries of the French Government about their import policy for these products. It must be borne in mind, however, that France, like ourselves, has many competing essential claims on her foreign exchange resources.