§ Mr. Owenasked the President of the Board of Trade what import licences have been granted for the purpose of bringing in coats and dresses from Eastern European countries; if he is aware that one London firm has bought the entire quota of cotton dresses, sun dresses and play suits from Hungary at prices which are competitive with British products; and what reciprocal exports of women's clothing have been made to Hungary or other East European countries.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am aware that one London company holds the bulk of the licences to import women's clothing from Hungary. Since 1st September, 1954, licences have been issued under the current Hungarian Trade Agreement for imports of women's clothing to a value of £28,500, but none in respect of other Eastern European countries. During the same period exports of women's clothing to Eastern Europe amounted to about £2,000.
The current Trade Agreement with Hungary does not specify a figure for exports of women's clothing, but it does provide for the licensing of exports of textile fibres and manufactures to a total of over £2,400,000, as well as substantial amounts of chemicals, metal goods, machinery, vehicles, scientific instruments and electrical equipment.