§ Mr. Perkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade the number and cost of umbrella handles and umbrella sticks, respectively, which may be imported into this country in the first six months of 1953 and in the second half of the year, respectively.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftUmbrella handles and umbrella sticks may be imported from Western Europe and certain other foreign countries affected by our balance of payments restrictions under a quota for fancy goods which includes a number of other items. For the first six months of 1953 this quota is £25,000 and for the second half of the year, £32,000. Some imports of umbrella handles and umbrella sticks may also be made under trading arrangements with certain other foreign countries not covered by this quota. There is an open general licence for imports of these articles from the sterling area. I cannot estimate the number or cost of umbrella handles and umbrella sticks which will in fact be imported under these arrangements.