§ 46. Major COLVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if the im- 2890 portation of foreign building materials has increased during the period since June, 1929?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)From an examination of the imports of building materials of various descriptions recorded in the accounts relating to trade and navigation of the United Kingdom it would appear that the trade in question is seasonal; the total imports reached their highest point in August, and from that month the figures show a steady decrease. Imports during the first three months of this year show an increase over the corresponding period of 1929.
§ Major COLVILLEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the quantity of building materials imported last year, as shown in the trade returns, would have provided work for some 30,000 workmen in this country?