HC Deb 16 October 1952 vol 505 c29W
42. Sir R. Acland

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether he will make a statement on the decisions reached by recent meetings of the International Rubber Study Group.

Mr. H. Strauss

I have been asked to reply. At its meeting in May, 1952, the International Rubber Study Group decided to set up a Working Partyto consider whether measures designed to prevent burdensome surpluses or serious shortages of rubber are necessary and practicable. The Working Party met in August and made a preliminary study of the problem. It then adjourned to give delegations time

—— 1937 1938 1951 1952 (Jan.-Aug.)
Commonwealth countries and Irish Republic. No. 2 4 40 20
£ 41 206 4,182 2,249
Foreign countries No. 1,321 1,112 36 14
£ 79,344 66,428 13,304 3,139
TOTAL No. 1,323 1,116 76 34
£ 79,385 66,634 17,486 5,388

Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total home sales of British-made pianofortes in 1937, 1938, 1951 and in the first eight months of this year.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Sales of British made pianos to the home market during 1937, 1951 and the first eight months of 1952 are estimated to have been 44,853, 1,511 and 695, respectively, valued at £1,145,828, £147,962 and £73,811, respectively. No figures are available for 1938.