§ MR. JOHN ELLISTo ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the figures of imports and exports for the financial years ending 31st March, 1901 and 1902, for the Protectorates of Somaliland, British Central Africa, East Africa, and Uganda, distinguishing in each case, so far as may be, figures arising from administration or construction of public works and those due to natural trade; and what proportion of the import and export figures arise from trade with the British Isles on the one hand, and other countries on the other.
(Answer). The fullest figures available are for the year ending 31st December, 1901. The imports and exports of the East Africa Protectorate and Uganda are taken together, as there is but one Customs Department for the two Protectorates. East Africa Protectorate and Uganda: total imports, £946,800. Natural imports (that is, excluding administration and public works imports, but including specie amounting to £170,000), £585,000, of which there came from the United 104 Kingdom £123,000, and from India £312,000 (including all the specie). Total exports, £115,180. Practically all are consigned to Zanzibar or Aden, and it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate destination. British Central Africa: total imports, £186,000. Natural imports, 173,260, of which there came from the United Kingdom £136,260, and from India £4,000 (assuming none of the administration imports came from India). Total exports, £45,000, of which there was exported to the United Kingdom £32,000. Somaliland: In this case the figures are for the year ending 31st March, 1901. Natural imports, £394,000. Total exports, £364,000. Practically the whole trade is with Aden, and it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate origin or destination.—(Foreign Office.)