§ 11 and 12. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he can furnish a statement showing the increase in volume and value of the exports of British goods to Denmark and the Argentine Republic, respectively, during the last 12 months; and whether he can estimate the increased number of persons in employment as a consequence;
(2) whether he can furnish a statement showing the increase in volume and value of the exports of British goods to the Empire countries who were signatories of the Ottawa Agreement during the last 12 months as compared with tip 12 months ended 30th June, 1932?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I regret that the precise information desired is not available, as calculations of the volume of overseas trade are made only in respect of our aggregate trade with all countries and, for reasons which my hon. Friend will appreciate, it is not possible to apply the results so obtained to trade with any 1634 individual country or group of countries. Particulars of the aggregate value of our trade with individual countries are normally compiled in respect of calendar years and quarterly periods only, and those for the quarter ended June, 1934, are not yet available. I will, however, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the value of the exports of United Kingdom goods to the countries in question during the 12 months ended March, 1934, and during the corresponding earlier period. It is not possible to estimate with any degree of precision the increase in employment resulting from the increase shown in the value of our exports to Denmark and the Argentine.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELHas the right hon. Gentleman also the figures of imports in respect of the same countries for the same periods?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe table which I propose to give to my hon. Friend covers the domestic exports from the United Kingdom. If a question is asked in regard to imports. I can obtain the information.
§ Following is the statement:
1635| TABLE showing the total declared value of the domestic exports of merchandise from the United Kingdom consigned to the undermentioned countries during the periods specified. | ||
| — | 12 months ended 31st March. | |
| 1932. | 1934. | |
| £ | £ | |
| Domestic exports from the United Kingdom consigned to: Union of South Africa (excluding S.W. Africa Territory). | 20,498,652 | 24,886,316 |
| Southern Rhodesia | 1,254,949 | 1,462,961 |
| British India | 31,488,726 | 33,421,474 |
| Australia | 14,668,404 | 21,922,346 |
| New Zealand | 10,644,361 | 9,607,204 |
| Canada | 19,987,374 | 18,444,642 |
| Newfoundland and Coast of Labrador | 529,874 | 673,173 |
| 12 months ended 31st March | ||
| 1933. | 1934. | |
| £ | £ | |
| Denmark (including Faröe Islands) | 10,425,078 | 12,028,222 |
| Argentine Republic | 11,369,708 | 13,021,465 |