asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that typewriters are being imported into this country at approximately 50 per cent. of the pre-war quantities; and that the Import Licensing Department are issuing licences without consulting the British manufacturers; and will he take steps to consult the interested parties?

I am aware that substantial quantities of typewriters are being imported. With regard to the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the purpose of the import restrictions is to secure economy in the use of foreign exchange to the greatest extent that is practicable, and this is a matter for the Government to decide. The Import Licensing Department has, however, asked United Kingdom typewriter manufacturers for certain information.

Is the Minister aware that increased consumption at home will improve our competitive force in the export markets of the world?

That may be the case, but in restricting imports from various countries one has to take into consideration all the other circumstances as well.