§ 39. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state what is the date of the last official figures he possesses with regard to our trade with Australia; and whether he will state what was the total amount for the last 12 months for which figures are available, together with the amount per head?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYAs the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman give the last two figures—the total and the amount per head per annum?
§ The following statement gives the desired particulars of the trade of the United Kingdom, with Australia during the year 1922:
§ addressed a body of London merchants on the 14th March, inviting them to reopen with Mexico an export trade in British machinery, cotton and woollen clothing, linens, shoes, and pottery; is he aware 2075 that, owing to fear of ill-treatment by the Mexican authorities, British exporters hesitate to risk their goods and capital in Mexican trade; and will he, therefore, take this opportunity of informing the Mexican Consul-General that British commercial houses are eager to trade with Mexico provided that His Majesty's Government can be assured, on their behalf, that British goods, capital, and confidence will not be ill-treated in Mexico and that the Mexican Government will respect its obligations to British subjects?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI have received no report of the address mentioned in the first part of the question; but I am fully aware both of the desirability of encouraging trade with Mexico and of the present difficulties. As regards the last part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that all steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to make the position clear to the Government of Mexico.
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI shall be glad to have it.