§ 7 and 8. Mr. RENNIE SMITH (for Mr. CECIL WILSON)asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) why, in the monthly accounts relating to trade and navigation, no information is given as to the countries to which arms, ammunition and military and naval stores are exported:
(2), as regards the exports of arms, ammunition and military and naval stores exported in 1926 to the amount of £3,800,916, in 1927 to the amount of £3,847,401, and in 1928 to the amount of £4,709,918, what these consisted of; and to what countries they were exported?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIn order to keep the cost of the monthly accounts as low as possible, and to ensure their early publication, only the principal particulars of external trade are included in them. Fuller particulars are published in the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom. Details of the exports referred to, in 1926 and 1927, are shown on pages 452 to 462 of Volume III of the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom for 1927. The corresponding particulars for 1928 have not yet been compiled.
§ Mr. SMITHIn view of the fact that there is general agreement, both in this country and in the League of Nations, as to the desirability of having the fullest possible information with regard to the manufacture of munitions, will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to assist in giving such information publicity?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThese questions ask, not about publicity regarding the manufacture of munitions, but about the export of munitions, and, if the hon. Gentleman will look at the Annual Statement of Trade he will see that a most exhaustive analysis is given of the exports.
§ Mr. SMITHIs it not the case that the Annual Statement is a year late when 179 it is published, while what is really required is immediate publication of the information?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is quite true that the Annual Statement is somewhat late, but I think it is right to confine the trade accounts, which are published as early as possible in each month, to the most important trade statistics. If these accounts are to be expanded to anything like the scope of the vast volume of the annual trade returns, it must involve delay, and all representations that I have received on the commercial side with regard to the trade accounts emphasise the vital importance of getting them out early.
§ Mr. SMITHDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that in regard to this particular industry it is very desirable that he should assist in concentrating public opinion on the question?