HC Deb 20 October 1949 vol 468 cc47-8W
Mr. Prescott

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of Japanese looms have, as at the most recent convenient date, been imported into this country; what proportion were paid for in dollars; what was the sum involved; and what is the Government's future policy regarding such importations.

Mr. H. Wilson

The following looms have been imported into the United Kingdom from Japan since 1946:

  • 1947–192 looms, c.i.f., value £22,029.
  • 1948–500 looms, c.i.f., value £57,859.
  • 1949 (up to 31st August)—98 looms, c.i.f., value £12,736.
Payment for all these looms was made in sterling. Future applications for import licences will be considered in the light of availability of similar looms from other sources, and of the importance and urgency of individual requirements.