27. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of manufactured goods imported into Great Britain from the United States of America in 1928; what was the value of goods exported to America from this country in the same period; and whether, having regard to the financial obligations of Great Britain in respect of the payment of the War debt to America, it is proposed to make any representations to Washington concerning the proposed tariff increase on goods coming into the States?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMWith the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFCIAL REPORT the figures for which he asks in the first and second parts of his question. In reply to the third part, I would refer to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary-yesterday to the hon. Members for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) and Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury), a copy of which I am sending him.
Sir F. HALLMay I cal the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the fact that I have only asked for two figures? Cannot he give them to the House?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI am afraid that more than two figures are involved.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it not the case that representations have been made to all foreign countries for some 20 years, with the result that they have all raised their tariffs against us?
§ Following are the figures:
§ The value of "Articles wholly or mainly manufactured" imported into this country in 1928 which were consigned from the United States of America was £65,328,000 including £19,381,000 in respect of refined petroleum. The exports of produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom, consigned to the united States in 1928 were valued at £46,624,000, including £35,185,000 in respect of "Articles wholly or mainly manufactured."