HC Deb 05 June 1930 vol 239 cc2370-1
83. Mr. HURD

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state, and, if not, if he will ascertain, the approximate amount of shipbuilding orders placed in British yards on Canadian account and the amount of Canadian money thus made available for British wages during the past year and five years, respectively?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

The precise information desired by the hon. Member is not available, but it may assist him to know that, according to particulars furnished to the Customs authorities, the declared value of new ships built in the United Kingdom and exported to Canada was £8,773,988 in the five years 1925 to 1929, of which £3,845,752 related to the year 1928, and £3,883,040 to 1929. The figures for the three years 1925–27 are incomplete, since prior to 1928 vessels registered at a port in the United Kingdom merely for the purpose of delivery or transfer abroad were not normally recorded as exports.

Mr. HURD

Does that not indicate a substantial contribution on the part of Canada?

Mr. GRAHAM

There is no need for my hon. Friend to impress that upon me.