HC Deb 12 December 1928 vol 223 cc2119-20
55. Mr. BRIGGS

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what countries and of what value were the exports last year of beer, stout, whisky, and to-bacco?

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

I would refer my hon. Friend to pages 31, 35 to 36, and 43 to 47, of Volume III of the Annual Statement of Trade of the United Kingdom for 1927.

Mr. BRIGGS

Can I have a copy of the volume to which the hon. Gentleman refers?

Mr. WILLIAMS

There is a copy in the Library. The statement covers over 100 separate items.

Mr. BRIGGS

Am I not entitled to ask for an exact reply to a question placed in proper form upon the Order Paper?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I understand, according to the instruction of Mr. Speaker, that, if the information is already at the disposal of Members, they really should not ask questions.

Mr. SKELTON

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary consider lending the hon. Member his own copy?

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