§ 27. Sir PHILIP DAWSONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give the premiums 540 received by the Export Credits Guarantee Department for each of the years 1929, 1930, and 1931, separately, for underwriting, respectively, Russian risks, risks for goods supplied to the British Empire, and risks for goods supplied to other countries; what percentages of the premiums received in each of the three years, separately, and for each geographical group, separately, have been absorbed by payments of claims and by expenses; and what percentage is still necessary to provide for outstanding claims or claims which are likely to arise on unexpired liability?
§ Mr. JOHN COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The premiums, losses, etc., under this scheme since its inception in 1926 are shown in the annual volume of Trading Accounts, to which I would refer my hon. Friend. The detailed information for which he asks is not published, and I do not think it would be desirable to give it. I may say, however, that the premium income under this scheme more than covers the losses.
Captain CROOKSHANKIf the income more than covers the losses, what happens to the balance? Does my hon. Friend keep it?
§ Mr. COLVILLEMy hon. and gallant Friend is, surely, aware that that is not the case.