§ 62. Mr. PIKEasked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of goods imported into Great Britain from Denmark for the year ended 31st December, 1932, and the total value of purchases by Denmark of goods manufactured in Great Britain during the same period?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)As stated in the issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom," for January last, the total declared value of merchandise imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1932 and consigned from Denmark (including Faroe Islands) amounted to £40,556,327. The exports of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom consigned to that country during the same year amounted to £9,860,999.
§ Captain DOWERMay I ask what steps the Government are taking to right this terrific adverse balance of trade with Denmark?
§ Dr. BURGINThey are conducting trade negotiations with Denmark for that purpose.
§ Mr. HANNONIs this amazing difference in the figures between imports and exports constantly before the Danish delegation throughout these negotiations?
§ Dr. BURGINYes, and not only that, but the great discrepancy to which the hon. Member refers is considerably less than it was in the year 1930–31.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that Denmark in many instances would purchase direct from this country but for the regulations of European cartels?
§ Mr. O'CONNORMay I ask whether a portion of this disparity in the balance of trade is not due to the action of Imperial Chemical Industries in co-operation with the Bank of England in forcing Denmark to buy from Germany fertilisers which she would prefer to buy from this country?
§ Dr. BURGINI was not aware of either suggestion.