asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that following the announcement in the Press on the 13th May that he is prepared to grant licences for the import of fabrics without reference to type or price where these goods arrive in this country by the 30th June, 1942, importers have placed orders for goods offered to them by suppliers in Great Britain; and if he will state whether, if the goods so ordered fail to arrive by the 30th June, it is his intention to require the importers to return the goods to Great Britain if they do not come within the descriptions and the price limits already imposed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of Fabrics.
I have no reason to assume that the statement in the first part of the Deputy's question is not correct. As to the second part of the question, the announcement to which the Deputy refers warned importers that, in the case of fabrics not conforming to the descriptions and price limits previously announced, orders should not be placed, without prior consultation with my Department, unless delivery by the 30th June, 1942, was assured. Subject to satisfactory arrangements being made to avoid a loss of supplies, it will be necessary to require the return to Great Britain of goods which are outside the published descriptions and price limits and which have been ordered without consultation with my Department if they arrive after the 30th June or such other date as may be determined. This requirement may be waived in particular cases if there are special reasons for doing so.
Where there is any suggestion that the goods are not likely to be available after the 30th June, if the matter is brought to the Minister's attention now, will he give permission so that those goods may be ordered?
If the matter is submitted now, a decision will be given as to whether a licence will or will not be issued.
How long will it take to reach a decision in any particular case?
That will depend on the circumstances of the case, but there will be no delay.
Could it be inferred that a decision will be given in any case inside a week?
I should think so.