§ 89. Mr. Granvilleasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the increasing difficulties of overseas purchasers of British exports to obtain the necessary import licences due to currency shortages; and, in view of the threat to our export trade, what steps he is taking to secure alternative markets and fresh trade agreements.
§ Mr. BelcherI am aware that import restrictions imposed by certain countries are affecting our exports. It must be recognised that many countries, like ourselves, have to maintain such restrictions to protect their balance of payments. But in the trade and financial negotiations at present taking place, and in318W future negotiations, we shall do everything we can to secure relaxations of import restrictions in favour of United Kingdom goods.