§ 20. Mr. H. G. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the visible adverse balance of trade for 1936 and the increase over 1935; and when the annual estimate of the Board of Trade of the balance of payments will be published?
§ Dr. BurginThe excess of imports over exports of merchandise in 1936 was £348,000,000, or £73,000,000 more than in 1935. An estimate of the balance of payments will be published in the Board of Trade Journal, as usual, about the end of next month.
§ Sir H. CroftCan my hon. Friend say whether the invisible exports are likely to equal this increased figure?
§ Dr. BurginI think that is quite another question. This question is a statistical one, to which I have given a reply. Perhaps the best method would be to await the publication by the Board of Trade of the assembled figures.