§ Mr. Osborneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much per annum he aims to drive from the home market to exports of consumer goods by the increase of the Bank Rate to 4½ per cent., 242W and by the restriction of hire purchase facilities; if he is satisfied that this additional volume can be sold in overseas markets without checking British prices; and if he will take every possible step to overcome restrictive practices of both capital and labour that tend to increase United Kingdom manufacturing prices.
Mr. MaudiingWhile I believe that the measures in question will help to curtail imports and encourage exports, it is not practicable to set figures to the results it is hoped to achieve. In reply to the last part of the Question, our policy on restrictive practices is well known, and there is nothing in the present situation to warrant a departure from it.