HC Deb 03 April 1952 vol 498 c155W
110. Captain Ryder

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, owing to limits imposed by export quota schemes, certain firms are unable to ship railway equipment which has been manufactured to Brazilian specifications and cannot be used elsewhere; and whether he will permit this export.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am unaware of the particular orders to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but if he will send me details I will make inquiries. He will be aware that, in view of the requirements of our defence programme and our other essential needs, it is necessary to restrict by means of export licensing the total amount of finished steel available for direct export, and we cannot therefore meet the requirements of Brazil and many other countries to the same extent as last year.