§ 47. Sir BASIL PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade why the customary statistics relating to the exports and re-exports of fabric gloves are now omitted from the Trade and Navigation Returns; and whether he will consider rescinding this change and returning to the practice of providing this information in future?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs was explained in an article in the Board of Trade Journal of 18th January, the recent extensive revision of the form and scope of the accounts relating to trade and navigation has involved the deletion of particulars in respect of certain commodities in which the trade is now relatively unimportant. Unless or until there is a substantial increase in the value of the exports or re-exports of fabric gloves it is not proposed to publish the particulars monthly. They will, however, be published, as hitherto, in the "Annual Statement of Trade."
§ Sir B. PETOIn view of the very frequent changes made in the duty on this article, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it is very desirable that the Import Duties Advisory Committee should have an opportunity monthly of seeing what are the effects of the duty; and, further, is it not important that the exports as well as imports should be recorded in view of the fact that the export of fabric gloves which, 10 years ago, was 146,000 dozen pairs is now only 23,000?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe experience of a single month would not be sufficient on which to base a judgment as to the future.
§ Sir B. PETODoes the right hon. Gentleman think that we can wait for a whole year until the trade has been destroyed before any change is made in the duty?