§ 75. Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what proportion of British exports to Finland during 1931 were financed under the export credit system; and whether, in view of the fact that German industry, by granting easier paying conditions to Finnish buyers, has obtained a larger proportion of the trade in that country than Great Britain, he will take steps to increase the use taken of the credit facilities available in connection with British trade with Finland?
§ Major COLVILLEThe contracts concluded under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme during 1931 in connection with exports to Finland amounted to £18,820, or approximately 1.2 per cent. of the total United Kingdom exports to that country. As regards the second part of the question, the reports received in my Department do not suggest that the main reason for the larger proportion of Finnish trade enjoyed by Germany is that the terms of payment granted by German exporters to Finnish buyers are easier 477 than those allowed by British exporters. My Department is constantly studying methods for increasing British trade with Finland, and I shall be delighted to give consideration to any proposals that my hon. and gallant Friend may make with that end in view.