HC Deb 29 March 1938 vol 333 cc1813-4
9. Mr. Day

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give in detail the value of domestic merchandise exported from the United Kingdom to Germany and from Germany to the United Kingdom for the 12 months ended at the last convenient date?

Mr. Stanley

During the year 1937, the declared value of exports of United Kingdom produce and manufactures registered as consigned to Germany amounted to £21,624,000, while imports from Germany were valued at £36,188,000. If the hon. Member desires a detailed statement of the commodities entering into the trade between the two countries, the most recent published particulars relate to the year 1936 and will be found on pages 324 to 335 of Volume IV of the "Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom" for 1936. The December, 1937, issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" contains provisional figures for 1937 in respect of the more important commodities.

Mr. Day

Do the figures contain the quantities of goods left in bond and re-exported?

Mr. Stanley

I cannot say, without notice.

Mr. Shinwell

Has the Minister any proposal for correcting the adverse balance of trade between the two countries?

Mr. Stanley

Payments are regulated by the Anglo-German Payments Agreement of November, 1934. The hon. Member realises that Germany owes a considerable amount of money to this country, which enters into consideration.

Mr. Shinwell

Has the right hon. Gentleman any proposal for correcting the adverse trade balance?

Mr. Stanley

If the hon. Member has any proposals for increased Protection in this country, I shall be glad to hear of them.