§ Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that British exports of cycles to the United States of America are being held up because of the shortage of British three-speed gears and British tyres, of which 169W details have been sent him, at a time when these two accessories are being exported to Germany, and then re-exported to the United States of America on German cycles in cut-price competition; and whether he will make a statement on the steps he is taking to assist British cycle exporters on this point.
§ Mr. LowThe details referred to by my hon. Friend have not reached me. The information at my disposal does not suggest that United Kingdom exports of bicycles to the U.S.A. are being held up by a shortage of tyres. I am aware that the large and gratifying increase of United Kingdom bicycle exports had led to a heavy demand for variable hub gears which still cannot be satisfied in full. I have, however, no reason to believe that the United Kingdom bicycle industry in general is dissatisfied with the distribution arrangements of the gear producers who, I understand, are taking measures to expand production still further.