HC Deb 17 December 1929 vol 233 c1191
38. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent our foreign trade has increased or decreased since the Government took office?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The total declared value of merchandise registered as imported into and exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the six months, June to November, 1927, 1928 and 1929, was£1,017,000,000,£1,012,000,000 and£1,015,000,000, respectively. Average import and export values have fallen since 1927, and the figure stated for 1929 therefore represents some increase in the volume of imports and exports in the most recent period over that of the two earlier periods.

Sir H. CROFT

Is it not a fact that, in spite of the present Government, the safeguarded trades also show a great increase?