§ 15 Mr. HEPWORTHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information to show for what reason the imports of implements and tools have risen in value to £424,387 for the first nine months of this year as against £214,613 for a similar period in 1933; and whether any steps are to be taken to deal with this increase?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe figures quoted by my hon. Friend relate to the first nine months of 1934 and 1932, the figure for the corresponding period in 1933 being £332,475. As these goods are in general used in the production of manufactured goods of all sorts, the increase in their 802 importation is no doubt indicative of increased trade and industrial activity. There has been a similar increase in the much larger export trade in British tools and implements. It is of course open to the interests concerned, if they wish to do so, to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for increased duties on these goods.
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the rise in value is due to an increase in price or an increase in quantity?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot say without notice.