asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what were the weights of wool top exports from Britain in the first quarter of 1964 and in the corresponding period of 1963.

The figures, which are available from the Trade and Navigation Accounts, are 19·8 million lb. in the first quarter of 1964 and 24·0 million lb. in the corresponding period of 1963; exports vary considerably from quarter to quarter, and they were particularly high early in 1963. The latest available figures show exports in the first four months of 1964 as 33·0 million lb. against 33·4 million lb. in the corresponding period in 1963.

Is the Minister aware that the figures for the first four months of 1964 are down on the first four months of 1963, so the trend is still down? Can he tell the House which countries are now taking reduced shipments, and why? Can he tell the House if this downward trend is in any way due to the Anglo-Japanese Commercial Treaty?

I would not accept that the trend line if taken over a longer period—which is relevant—is necessarily slightly down. Possibly there is a slight decline in total imports into Japan, but I would not think this was necessarily due to the Treaty. The industry is doing a remarkable job and should be congratulated by this House. I am sure that the hon. Member would wish to join in those congratulations. As the Minister responsible for exports under the Secretary of State I admit that, like Oliver Twist, one is always looking for more.