HC Deb 20 February 1948 vol 447 c278W
Mr. Cobb

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that all manufacturers of woollen textiles may export all orders received from Canada, U.S.A. and Argentine, provided they are in a position to make the goods required, and that no other obstacle stands in their way.

Mr. H. Wilson

No obstacles are placed in the way of anyone wishing to export wool cloth to Canada, the United States or the Argentine. Further, as regards wool tops, the rapid increase of production in recent months will make it possible in the near future to allow any firm to export tops without reference to their past trade; arrangements for this purpose will shortly be announced by the Wool Control. The production of wool yarn, however, remains much below the total demand for home and export, and since the requirements of the home weaving and knitting industries must have first consideration it is not possible to allow firms to export yarn except against allocations issued on an equitable basis designed to keep the total within the amount available. Arrangements, however, will shortly be announced under which spinners who have specialised capacity available for additional production after meeting all other obligations, may apply for extra yarn export allocations provided that 75 per cent. of the yarn is exported to the United States, Canada or the Argentine.

No difficulty should be experienced in importing these goods into the United States or Canada. As regards Argentina, under our recent Agreement with that country, import licences will be issued for £10 million of traditional United Kingdom exports, including woollens.