§ 37. Major WORTHINGTON EVANSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he could state without detriment to the public interest what is the amount of the excess of imports, less re-exports, over exports for the period 1st August, 1914, to 3st July, 1915; what is the amount expressed in sterling of orders placed abroad by Government Departments during the same period not included in the imports, distinguishing, if possible, between orders placed for the account of the British and for the account of the Allies; 1603 and whether he can give an estimate showing the same information for the period 1st August, 1915, to 31st July, 1916?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe excess of imports, less re-exports, over exports for the period 1st August, 1914, to 31st July, 1915, as given in the Board of Trade Returns, is £328,982,516. I am unable to give the hon. Member the information asked for in the second and third parts of the question. I hope to be in a position some time to give him the information for which he asks.
§ Major EVANSCan the right hon. Gentleman give even a rough estimate?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not think it would serve any useful purpose to give an estimate of that kind.