§ 72. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Air if he can give particulars of the sales abroad by British aircraft industries year by year since 1920; to which countries the goods are destined, and whether private firms or Governments; and what increase in foregn trade may be expected as a result of the concessions in selling which it is this year proposed to introduce?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, the hon. Member will find particulars of the exports of aircraft, engines, and parts, for 1920 and the four subsequent years, in the Annual Statement of Trade for the United Kingdom, 1924, volume 3, page 469. I understand that particulars for 1925 will be published in due course. As regards the second part, the published figures indicate the countries of destination, but not whether the purchasers were private firms or Governments. I am afraid I have no information to enable me to reply to the last part of the question, but there is little doubt, I think, that the proposed withdrawal of certain restrictions on the sale abroad of the later types of machines should result in an improvement in this trade.