HC Deb 08 December 1932 vol 272 c1782
45 and 46. Mr. LYONS

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the value of the foreign-manufactured goods that entered this country via Canada for the period January to October, 1931;

(2) the value of the manufactured goods of foreign origin entering this country from Canada, duty free, for the period January to October, inclusive, 1932, and the country or countries of origin?

Dr. BURGIN

I regret that it is not possible to state the value of manufactured goods of foreign origin which may be included in the imports registered as consigned from Canada, as such particulars are not recorded. In the Canadian trade returns detailed particulars of re-exports are published only in respect of complete years ending 31st March, and these particulars do not include information as to the country of origin of the goods re-exported.

Mr. LYONS

May I ask whether the goods that come via Canada irrespective of the country of origin enjoy a preferential rate? Does not the Department think that some check ought to be imposed in regard to these goods?

Dr. BURGIN

The question on the Order Paper asks me the value of the goods and for statistics. The matter raised in the supplementary question is well known in the Department and a good deal of information is available. If the hon. Member will put down a question raising the point specifically, I can promise him some answer.

Mr. LYONS

Has the hon. Member in mind the fact that the President of the Board of Trade told me a fortnight ago that at a very early date he hoped that an additional statement would be made?

Dr. BURGIN

That was a singularly accurate statement.