HC Deb 07 December 1948 vol 459 c30W
82. Mr. Beswick

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number or value of typewriters have been imported in the last six months from the different zones of Germany; in what currency have payments been made; and how do they compare in price to similar machines exported from this country.

Mr. Bottomley

Two hundred and fifty-three typewriters valued at £6,600 were imported from all zones of Germany between May and October; the import returns do not distinguish between the different zones. Payment was made in sterling. The average value of these imports was £26 as compared with an average value of £21 for exports from United Kingdom to all countries and of £32 for re-exports; the classification of typewriters in the trade returns is, however, on the basis of weight of the machines and it is not possible to say to what extent the typewriters imported compare in quality with those exported.