HC Deb 31 July 1952 vol 504 cc168-9W
74. Mr. Burke

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much Japanese grey cloth was imported into this country in May, 1952; and how this compares with the amount imported during the first four months of this year.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Ten million square yards of cotton grey cloth were imported from Japan in May, 1952, and 21 million square yards in the first four months of this year. Imports of all kinds of rayon cloth from Japan in May were 133,000 square yards, and in January-April about 2 million square yards; nearly all of this was known to be grey cloth. Imports of silk grey cloth from Japan were 25,000 square yards in May, and 17,000 square yards in January-April, 1952.

Civilian imports in April and May of Japanese grey cotton and rayon cloth resulted from licences granted before the issue of new licences was suspended in March. The present quota for imports of Japanese silk grey cloth expires on 30th September, 1952.