HC Deb 13 November 1928 vol 222 cc658-9
1. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of mats and matting imported from India, Belgium and Holland, respectively, during the past 12 months as compared with 1914.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Herbert Williams)

The answer is in the form of a table of figures, and the hon. Member will perhaps permit me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Statistics of exports from the United States, Germany and France to Afghanistan are not available, and such data as are available concerning exports to Afghanistan from the United Kingdom are incomplete, as they do not include goods which, on their way to Afghanistan, pass into the ownership of Indian merchants. Afghanistan has not accorded any specific commercial advantages either to this country or, so far as is known, to any of the other countries named in the question.

Sir F. HALL

Is it a fact that these other countries are doing what they can to develop their industries in and around Afghanistan, and will the Board of Trade take such steps as are possible to facilitate and help British industries in that area?

Mr. WILLIAMS

We are always taking all the steps that we can.

Sir F. HALL

Will the hon. Gentleman look into these facts to which I have drawn attention?

Forward to