HC Deb 14 February 1933 vol 274 c788
16. Mr. PARKINSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value and description in the trade of the United Kingdom of imports from, exports, domestic produce, and re-exports of merchandise to, each British colony in Africa, excluding mandated territories, which are precluded by international treaty from granting preferences, for 1929, 1930, and 1931; and the corresponding total values for such colonies in the trade of the United Kingdom?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The British colonies and protectorates in Africa (excluding mandated territories) which are precluded by international treaty from granting preferences are the Gold Coast, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Nyasaland, Zanzibar and part of Northern Rhodesia. The exact particulars asked for are not available, but the hon. Member will find in Volume IV of the Annual Statement of Trade for 1931 detailed particulars of our import, export and re-export trade during 1929, 1930 and 1931 with Kenya, Uganda, Nyasaland, the Gold Coast including British Togoland, Nigeria including British Cameroons, Zanzibar and Pemba together, and Northern Rhodesia as a whole.

Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLE

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any steps are being taken, or are contemplated, to denounce the Congo Basin Treaty?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

This is by no means a simple question, as the interests are not all in the same direction. We have considered and examined it again and again.