HC Deb 30 May 1962 vol 660 cc139-40W
Mr. Critchley

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he intends to waive or alter the existing quota restrictions on the import of Japanese pottery,

New Zealand:

  • 20 per cent. throughout the whole period, though I understand that this will be increased to 27½ per cent. from 1st July, 1962.

Canada:

  • 25 per cent. throughout the period, except for sisal, palm straw or cane straw carpets which have been dutiable at 20 per cent. throughout.

QUOTAS

Australia:

  • Import licensing restrictions were imposed in 1952 and remained in force until February, 1960, with variations in quota ranging from 20 per cent. to 100 per cent. of imports in a base period. Since February, 1960, imports have been unrestricted.

India:

  • Carpets have been subject to import licensing since before 1950 but no quotas have been made available in recent years.

New Zealand:

  • Imports of British carpets were restricted in 1950, exempt from licensing 1951–57, and have again been restricted since 1958 to varying percentages of imports in a base year. Between 1952 and 1954, imports, though not subject to licensing, were restricted by exchange allowances of varying amounts.

Canada:

  • Imports of carpets have been unrestricted throughout the period.

Mr. Biffen

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of carpets to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and West Germany for the years 1950, 1959, 1960, and 1961; and what is the percentage change in the value of sales to each of these markets between 1950 and 1961.

Mr. Erroll

The following is the information:

cutlery, cast iron and woodware to this country.

Mr. Erroll

There are at present quota restrictions on imports from Japan of pottery and cutlery but not on cast iron and woodware. I cannot say what changes may be desirable in future.