HC Deb 20 December 1935 vol 307 cc2135-6
7. Mr. REMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade, the values of the imports into the United Kingdom from Japan for the eleven months ending 30th November, 1935; and the values of the exports from the United Kingdom to Japan in the same period.

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

The aggregate value of the trade of the United Kingdom with individual countries is normally compiled in respect of calendar years and quarterly periods only. The declared value of the imports and exports of merchandise consigned from and to Japan during the nine months ended September, 1935, is given on page 291 of the Trade and Navigation Accounts for October last.

Mr. REMER

Are these in favour of or against this country?

According to statistics furnished by the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations the spindleage and spinning activity of mills belonging to members of the Japan Cotton Spinners' Association, which is believed to include all the spinning mills in Japan, were as follows at the end of the months shown:
— Spinning spindles in place. Activity as percentage of capacity (including allowance for "voluntary" holidays).
Per cent.
1933 December … … … … 8,644,000 72.8
1934 December … … … … 9,531,000 81.6
1935 June … … … … … 9,944,000 76.6
1935 December … … … … — 66.6*
* Agreed proportion.
The latest available information as to the number of active spindles in India is that contained in the annual statement of the Millowners' Association, Bombay, for the cotton year ended August 31st, 1934. During that year the average number of spindles working daily was 7,845,000 out of a total of 9,613,000 erected. In the previous year the corresponding figures were 8,202,000 working out of a total of 9,572,000 erected.
9. Mr. REMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill is based on the number of active spindles in the United Kingdom in January, 1934, his department have made any calculations as to the number of active spindles in existence on 1st December; and whether he can state the number of active spindles in existence in January, 1935?

Dr. BURGIN

I think that, if the hon. Member looks into the figures, he will probably find that imports from Japan have increased.

Mr. REMER

Have any steps been taken to improve that position by negotiation or otherwise?

Dr. BURGIN

I think that is quite another matter. Perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down.