§ 40. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the sterling value of proposals submitted by British traders during the last six months in connection with exports to China; what proportion of such proposals has been approved; and what is the total amount of guarantees given by his Department during that period?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonDuring the six months ended 30th June, 1939, the total amount of the contracts, policies and guarantees issued by the Export Credits Guarantee Department was £30,365,207. It is not the practice to state the amount of the Department's commitments in respect of a particular country.
§ Mr. BellengerIs it correct to say that the amount guaranteed by the Department is less than £200,000; and if that is correct is it due to lack of initiative on the part of British traders, or does the fault lie with his own Department?
§ Mr. HudsonIt has been the practice of the Department, in order that individual transactions should be kept confidential, not to disclose details as to any country, and I am afraid that I cannot give any further information.