§ 30. Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been a shrinkage in the volume of British trade with Spain during 1936, 1937 and 1938, in comparison with the
Period. Quantity. Value. '000 lbs. £'000 Year: 1935 … … … … 1,419 209 1936 … … … … 1,404 222 1937 … … … … 2,599 419 January-September: 1937 … … … … 2,363 382 1938 … … … … 2,236 327 232 figures for 1935; what commodities have been most affected; and what are the comparative figures for mercury imports into the United Kingdom?
The aggregate value of our trade with Spain during the periods in question is shown below: — 1935. 1936. 1937. January-September. 1937. 1938. £'000. £'000. £'000. £'000 £'000 Imports 11,119 10,515 8,628 6,562 4,296 Exports: United Kingdom produce and manufactures. 5,344 2,975 2,444 1,666 2,700 Imported merchandise 414 242 967 832 575
§ Mr. StanleyAs the answer is long and involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following is the answer:
Trade between Spain and the United Kingdom has suffered a considerable reduction in value since 1935. Exports of United Kingdom goods, however, have shown some recovery this year, though still remaining considerably smaller than in 1935, and exports of imported merchandise have been greater, both this year and last, than in 1935. The decline in exports has been shared by coal (until this year) and a wide range of manufactured articles, particularly road vehicles, machinery and arms, ammunition, etc.; exports of iron and steel were, however, greater last year than in 1935. The principal commodities, imports of which have declined in quantity, are potatoes, onions, grapes, almonds, raisins and iron ore; the quantity of oranges and wine imported showed a tendency to increase until the present year, and imports of iron pyrites have continued to increase. Imports of mercury have been as follows: