§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHasked what were the imports of gold into this country between 1st January and 17th March in 1909 and 1910, respectively; and what were the exports during the same periods?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe information required is only available for the periods from 1st January to 17th March, 1909, and from 1st January to 16th March, 1910. The particulars are as follows:—
| 1909 Period. | 1910 Period. | |
| £ | £. | |
| Imports | 12,452,639 | 8,711,838 |
| Exports | 9,616,050 | 11,010,704 |
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHCan the right hon. Gentleman give any reason for the great difference?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI do not think if the Noble Lord asked half a dozen experts that they would agree upon the particular reason which was the predominant one in the effect.
§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESMay I ask whether it is not a fact that on a number of years, ten or twelve years, we always import and keep about £5,000,000 bullion per year more than we export?