§ 54. Mr. RILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of British exports to Germany for the years 1929, 1931, 1933, and 1935, respectively?
§ Dr. BURGINThe hon. Member will find the particulars for the years 1929 and 1931 on page 124 of the Trade and Navigation Accounts for January, 1932, and the figures for 1933 and 1935 on page 188 of the Accounts for January last.
§ 56. Mr. CLYNESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, under the provisions of the quota allowance, there is a disparity in the quantity of bookbinding and allied trades' machinery which Great Britain may export to France compared with the greater quantity of such exports allowed to Germany; whether he is aware that the quota restrictions mean a serious loss to a Manchester firm and its workmen; and whether he can investigate the matter with a view to an early removal of conditions which are causing great inconvenience and loss?
§ Dr. BURGINGermany has in the past been the principal supplier of printing and similar machinery to France. The French quotas are based on past trade, and this principle was recognised 1226 in the Anglo-French Trade Agreement in order that the United Kingdom might he guaranteed its proper share. The United Kingdom already receives the full quota for such machinery to which she is entitled under the Agreement.
§ Mr. CLYNESSeeing that the disparity referred to in the question makes an enormous difference in favour of Germany, could not some further investigation be undertaken with a view to a more equitable arrangement?
§ Dr. BURGINI should, of course, always be willing to investigate further any matter which the right hon. Gentleman brought to our attention, but at present my answer to the House must be that the United Kingdom already receives the full quota to which it is legally entitled. A revision of the agreement is, of course, another matter, and that I will discuss with the right hon. Gentleman if he wishes.