§ 12. Mr. Hurdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the New Zealand Government's recent restrictions on pottery imports will have the effect of cutting the volume of pottery goods which Britain can export to New Zealand down to 8 per cent. of the amount exported in 1938; and, as these restrictions will prevent some firms from fulfilling any export orders to New Zealand for 18 months, what steps he is taking to protect our pottery exports.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe New Zealand Government's programme of import licences for 1949, which of course reflects their policy of keeping their imports within the limits of their current earnings of exchange, provides for a reduction in imports of pottery, although I am not in a position to state the percentage for United Kingdom exports in relation to 1938. I understand that the matter is being considered by the New Zealand Government, and I shall be happy to let the hon. Member have further information as soon as it is available.