HC Deb 22 January 1953 vol 510 cc49-50W
60. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far he is anticipating that the United Kingdom dollar gap will be filled by the United States purchases of armaments made in the United Kingdom; what talks he has had with the United States authorities on this subject; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maudling

We are in continuous contact with the United States Mutual Security Mission in London about furthering sales of United Kingdom-produced armaments to the United States for supply to North Atlantic Treaty powers. My right hon. Friend attaches great importance to this development which enables us to increase our dollar earnings from exports and at the same time to contribute to the defensive strength of N.A.T.O. Contracts so far placed in the United Kingdom amount to about 150 million dollars in value and more may be expected.