HC Deb 21 March 1912 vol 35 c2070
Mr. CROFT

asked what are the three countries which purchased the greatest value of manufactured goods from the United Kingdom in 1911; and what are the actual values of exported manufactures to those countries?

Mr. BUXTON

The principal foreign countries and British Dominions and possessions to which United Kingdom goods wholly or mainly manufactured were consigned from this country in 1911 were British India, Germany, and Australia, the values of the exports of this class of goods having been—

£
to British India 49,362,000
to Germany 27,567,000
and to Australia 27,810,000

Mr. CROFT

Am I to understand that Australia bought more than Germany last year?

Mr. BUXTON

Yes, about £300,000 more.

Mr. PENRY WILLIAMS

Do the figures include the imports into Germany of coal from Belgian ports?

Mr. BUXTON

It is the usual comparison that I have given.

Mr. CROFT

May I ask whether this great change in the position of the Commonwealth of Australia, as compared with foreign countries, has not come about entirely since preference was granted?

Mr. BUXTON

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper, and I could hardly answer it in this way.