HC Deb 29 November 1933 vol 283 cc856-7
62. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the exports of non-ferrous metals in the October trade returns are correctly described in cwts. for the present year and in tons for earlier years?

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

The units of quantity, as shown in the Trade and Navigation Accounts for October last in respect of the exports from this country of non-ferrous metals and manufactures thereof, are correctly stated.

Mr. WILLIAMS

In these circumstances are we entitled to assume that the figures given by the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfeil) last Thursday were totally inaccurate?

Dr. BURGIN

They were corrected in the Debate.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is it not the case that the figures were accurately quoted and that the only difference was that by a slip cwts. were described as tons?

Dr. BURGIN

I can hardly subscribe to that idea when cwts. are described as tons.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is it not the case that the word "cwts." was recently placed in an unobtrusive position, and that my error was due to a failure to notice the alteration.

Dr. BURGIN

The alteration dates from last January.