§ 1. Mr. RAMSDENasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the imports into Great Britain from Greece for the year 1931 and for the four months ending 30th April, 1932?
The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE Mr. Runciman)The aggregate value of the trade in merchandise with individual countries is compiled for calendar years and quarterly periods only. The total declared value of merchandise imported into the United Kingdom and consigned from Greece amounted to £2,022,000 during the year 1931 and £347,000 during the first three months of 1932.
§ 2. Mr. RAMSDENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the new currency law brought into operation by the Greek Government on the 28th April, whereby provision is made for debtors in that country to enable them to spread their payments over a period of five years, and also to the restriction of imports into Greece; and, in view of these provisions, will His Majesty's Government consider taking steps to prohibit imports into Great Britain from Greece?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of both these measures, neither of which, in itself, discriminates against this country. Their effect on British interests is being examined and representations will be made to the Greek Government if such a course is considered desirable.
§ Mr. RAMSDENWill steps be taken to prevent foreign creditors being penalised in favour of Greek creditors?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat point will certainly be kept in mind.