HC Deb 10 June 1952 vol 502 c1W
21. Mr. G. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will refuse to grant a licence for the export of the turbine engines of the "King Edward," the first passenger turbine steamer in the world to enable this historical machinery to be suitably preserved in this country.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Export licensing control over goods of historical interest is confined to those more than 75 years old. The engines referred to by my hon. Friend are only 50 years old and thus would not be subject to licence on these grounds.

A licence would be refused for the export of the engines as scrap.

I understand, moreover, that the acquisition of these engines by museums in this country is being considered.