§ 4. Mr. MANDERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state whether any revised estimate has been made since this country went off the Gold Standard as to the probable favourable or adverse balance of trade for the year 1931?
§ 18. Major MILNERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is still anticipated that the export and import trade of Britain will not balance in the financial year ending 31st March, 1932; and if he will state the anticipated decline in the amount of invisible exports?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I regret that I cannot furnish at the present time an estimate in a matter so subject to modification in accordance with day to day developments.
§ Mr. MANDERCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to be able to give such an estimate?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid not before the end of the year.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to bring the Bank rate down, so that we may get a balance on the right side?
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, up to date, the net result of our going off the Gold Standard has been to increase the favourable balance of trade?