HC Deb 04 May 1925 vol 183 cc588-9
71. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of the total imports last year of precious stones?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate the reply to this question in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Could I now have the total figure?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes. The value of imports of precious and semi-precious stones, recorded as imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1924, was £226,000 in round figures. These figures do not, include diamonds consigned by the Union of South Africa to Great Britain and Northern Ireland during 1924. They may roughly be taken as of the value of £26,500,000.

Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware what proportion came from Russia?

Following is the answer:

The value of precious and semi-precious stones recorded as imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the year 1924 was as follows:

£
Precious and semi-precious stones:
Unset for jewellery:
Diamonds 185,066
Other sorts 39,786
For industrial purposes 1,651
Total £226,503

These particulars are exclusive of diamonds consigned from the Union of South Africa to Great Britain and Northern Ireland during 1924, which were stated by the Union Government to be valued at £6,498,426.

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