HC Deb 06 July 1953 vol 517 cc70-2W
Mr. Grimond

asked the President of the Board of Trade what impediments are placed on the sales of imported textiles in the American market; and what was the value of all British textiles sold in that market in any convenient period during the past year.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Import duties are charged on almost all types of textiles imported into the United States and the Defence Appropriation Act prohibits the procurement for military use of textiles made from foreign wool and cotton and of clothing not produced in the United States. I do not know of any other impediment that applies specifically to imported textiles.

The value of United Kingdom exports of textiles and apparel to the United States in the 12 months ended 31st May, 1953. was:

£'000
Cotton yarns and manufactures 2,845
Woollen and worsted yarns and manufactures 13,795
Silk and artificial silk yarns and manufactures 335
Manufactures of other textile materials 7,199
Apparel 4,209
Total of textiles and apparel 28,383