Mr. Lee:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, contained in the list of machinery which, the China National Import-Export Corporation is attempting to purchase from this country, are five pantograph machines; and why his Department has refused an export licence to British firms who are anxious to accept the order.

A formal application for an export licence was made on 23rd October and the licence was issued on 27th October.

Mr. Lee:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, at a time when there is unemployment in the textile machinery industry, it takes so long for his Department to get this kind of licence issued? Will he disprove the rumour that they are only concerned in the exports of emery paper to China?

It took only four days which I think is rather good.