§ 71. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that manufacturers in the United Kingdom are unable to quote firm prices and delivery dates for the supply of goods to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics because of uncertainty about the length of time required before approval to supply is obtained; and what steps he is taking to stop delay and remove uncertainty in view of the keen competition expected from other European countries, in particular, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am aware that our manufacturers have these difficulties. But, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 25th February, we are examining the controls on exports to Russia; and I am not at present in a position to add to the Prime Minister's statement.