§ 30. Mr. LESLIE BOYCEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that Danish exports to the United Kingdom during the three years 1929 to 1931 totalled£146,992,439, including£143,000,000 worth of butter, bacon, and eggs, as compared with£29,552,419 worth of British exports to Denmark, he will take steps to bring about a balance of trade more favourable to this country?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThis matter has been engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government, and I am able to inform my hon. Friend that during the first four months of this year, as compared with the same period in 1931, the total value of United Kingdom exports to Denmark increased by 14 per cent., while Danish exports to this country fell by 14 per cent. As regards the ensuing three months, June to August, although Denmark has found herself obliged, in order to balance her international payments, to restrict imports during that period, yet permits for the importation of United Kingdom goods are valid to the value of£3,269,000, as compared with actual imports of United Kingdom goods to the value of£2,857,000 during the same period in 1931.
§ Mr. O'CONNORArising out of that answer, may I ask my hon. Friend whether, in view of the substantial balances of payments in favour of Denmark, he can make representations to the Danish Government to enable them to release sterling for the purpose of making payment for goods consigned to that country?
§ Mr. COCKSHas the Department any information to the effect that British manufacturers are not sufficiently adapting themselves to the requirements of the Danish market? Is that the reason?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question deals only with a matter of figures.