§ 82. Mr. Prescottasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that with regard to machine tools German prices bear no relation to marketing costs and even vary from one customer to another; that in some instances German firms consistently quote prices 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. below British prices; and whether he will make a statement on the policy of His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. BottomleyNo. But if the hon. Member cares to let me have any information he has received in this matter, I should be glad to examine it.
The Allied High Commission has powers under the Occupation Statute to intervene in respect of any proved instance of unfair trade practices in Germany. Subject, however, to the avoidance of such practices, we have to recognise that Germany must, if she is to pay her way again and to play her full part in the economic recovery of Western Europe, rebuild her trade in the export markets of the world; and His Majesty's Government do not intend to use their position as an Occupying Power to prevent an expansion of German exports, provided this is achieved by fair means.