§ 17. Mr. Russellasked the President of the Board of Trade why there has been a decline since 1949 in the quantity and value of complete tobacco pipes imported into the United Kingdom from Malta; and why Malta's share of total United Kingdom imports of these pipes has fallen from 11.5 per cent. in 1949 to only 5.4 per cent. in 1952.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI have no responsibility for the pipe industry in Malta, and I cannot, therefore account for its export performance. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that there are no restrictions on the number of pipes which may be imported from Malta and that there is a 20 per cent. preference.