HC Deb 13 March 1933 vol 275 cc1600-1
40. Mr. CHORLTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether with a view to accelerating the taking up of new industries in this country, now paid for as imports, he will issue an analysed statement of imports with recommendations?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin):

The official statistics which are published monthly and annually provide an analysis of the imports into this country. Many industrial interests, foreign as well as British, have under close examination the question of manufacture in this country of goods at present imported from abroad and any assistance which can be given by my Department is, of course, available, but I do not think that a statement of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend is called for.

Mr. CHORLTON

There are many industries of a smaller nature to whom greater detail than is given in the ordinary Board of Trade returns would be of great assistance. Can the hon. Member see his way to extend the information with the specific object of encouraging new industries?

Dr. BURGIN

We will bear everything in mind.