HC Deb 10 May 1927 vol 206 cc182-5
46. Mr. HURD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the latest comparative figures showing the movements of imports and exports in trades which have been safeguarded; and how revenue and unemployment have been affected by such safeguarding?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have been asked to reply, and, as the answer involves a table of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following statement shows, in respect of the periods specified, the imports, exports and re-exports of goods now subject to safeguarding duties, together with the revenue from those duties in the year 1926.
— Date of Imposition of Duty. 1924. 1925. 1926.
Lace of all descriptions and Embroidery I made on net or dissoluble fabric: 1st July, 1925. £ £ £
Total imports … … — 2,331,486 1,398,535 607,428
Re-exports … … — 1,833,263 827,361 103,458
British exports … … — 2,620,733 2,383,903 1,948,862
Customs revenue … … — — — 233,000
Cotton Fabric Gloves: 22nd Dec., 1925.*
Total imports … … — 565,761 1,441,124 461,141
Re-exports … … — 109,533 77,623 31,497
British exports … … — 66,607 40,353 24,875
Customs revenue (covering gloves of cotton, leather and fur). — — — 498,000
Leather and Fur Gloves: 22nd Dec., 1925.
Total imports … … — 1,719,788 2,230,256 1,111,994
Re-exports … … — 122,875 135,263 69,821
British exports … … — 144,741 176,973 170,379
Customs revenue … … — — — (Included above).
Gas Mantles, etc.: 22nd Dec., 1925.*
Total imports … … — 160,596 225,461 64,455
e-exports … … — 1,156 890 1,151
British exports … … — 48,508 39,100 34,743
Customs revenue … … — — — 12,000
Cutlery: 22nd Dec.,1925.
Total imports … … — 475,366 1,231,617 —
Articles subject to duty … … — — — 269,258
Articles free of duty … … — — — 59,461
Re-exports … … — 107,537 80,616 60,917
British exports … … — 1,025,126 1,067,089 1,013,365
Customs revenue … … — — — 67,000
Packing and Wrapping Paper (including Tissue Paper): 1st May, 1926
Total imports … … — 5,112,495 5,413,677 —
January-April … … — — — 2,108,811
May-December:
Articles subject to duty … … — — — 1,932,045
Articles free of duty … … — — — 633,152
Re-exports … … — 30,870 48,344 44,186
British exports … … — 710,525 544,241 551,731
Customs revenue … … — — — 348,000
* Depreciated Currency Duty lapsed 20th August, 1924.
Mr. E. BROWN

Will the table include re-exports?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Yes, it is in respect of the periods specified for imports, exports and re-exports.

Following is the answer:

Notes.

  1. 1. As regards articles subject to Key Industry Duties, figures of total imports, exports and re-exports are not available, but the revenue collected in the year 1924 was £411,000, in 1925 £474,000, and in 1926 £489,000. The value of these imports (from foreign countries) retained for home consumption was £1,232,000 in 1924, £1,421,000 in 1925, and £1,341,000 in 1926.
  2. 2. Most of the Safeguarding Duties were, as will be seen from the foregoing statement, imposed in the course of 1925, and the figures for that year are not representative of normal conditions. It must further be borne in mind that 1926 was also an abnormal year owing to the long duration of the Coal Dispute.
  3. 3. As. regards unemployment, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister of Labour to the hon. Member for Kidderminster on the 13th April, a copy of which I am sending him.