§ 41. Mr. Mulleyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue licences to use zinc and copper in the manufacture of silverware for export to Eire on the same criteria as licences for export to sterling Commonwealth countries.
Mr. H. WilsonNo. Our export drive to sterling Commonwealth countries arises mainly from balance of payments considerations which do not apply in the case of the Irish Republic.
§ 42. Mr. Mulleyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make arrangements for the supply of scarce metals for the silverware industry to enable Sheffield firms to complete their important orders for work for the Festival of Britain; and whether licences will be issued by his regional officers for this purpose.
Mr. H. WilsonUntil 1st July, manufacturers are free to use stocks of partly fabricated copper and zinc, which I314W assume are the scarce metals referred to. In view, however, of the serious scarcity of these metals, I cannot give any general undertaking to try to divert supplies of metal to firms who have orders for the Festival of Britain. If, however, the hon. Member will let me have details of any cases he has in mind. I will have them looked into.