HC Deb 30 July 1957 vol 574 cc144-5W
70. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the restriction of imports by the Government of India has affected, and is likely to affect, the export from this country to India of umbrellas and umbrella frames; and to what extent Indian export of these goods has curtailed British exports in competitive markets.

Mr. Walker-Smith

As the hon. Member knows, the severe restrictions now being operated by the Government of India arise from India's need to safeguard her currency reserves. So long as this need continues, I am afraid that our exports to India of umbrellas and umbrella frames, as of very many other goods, are bound to suffer. But I have no evidence that our exports of umbrellas and frames to other markets are being affected by Indian exports of those goods.