HC Deb 27 June 1939 vol 349 cc188-90
22. Mr. Gallacher

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can provide figures to show the decline of British trade with Brazil, Chile, and Peru between 1932 and 1938, and the relative increase in German trade during the same period with those countries; and what steps are being taken to counter the German penetration of the South American market?

Mr. Stanley

As the answer to the first part of the question involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the Official Re-fort a table showing the trade of Brazil, Chile and Peru with the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively, for the years

Statement showing the total trade of Brazil, Chile and Peru, distinguishing the share of the United Kingdom and Germany, in the years 1932 add 1938.
Country. 1932. 1938.
Imports into Brazil. Exports from Brazil. Imports into Brazil. Exports from Brazil.
Thousand Milreis.
Total trade of Brazil of which: … … … 1,518,694 2,536,765 5,195.570 5,096,890
United Kingdom … … … 292,498 175,826 539,291 446,807
Per cent. … … … 19.3 6.9 10.4 8.8
Germany … … … 136,461 223,618 1,298,356 971,516
Per cent. … … … 9.0 8.8 25.0 19.1
Imports into Chile. Exports from Chile. Imports into Chile. Exports from Chile.
Thousand pesos of 6d. gold.
Total trade of Chile of which: … … … 213,786 290,494 501,760 674,090
United Kingdom … … … 27.535 91,420 52,918 148,740
Per cent. … … … 12.9 31.5 10.5 22.1
Germany … … … 31,540 39,935 129,125 68,398
Per cent. … … … 14.8 13.7 257 10.2
Imports into Peru. Exports from Peru. Imports into Peru. Exports from Peru.
Thousand soles (gold).
Total trade of Peru of which: … … … 76,089 178,529 260,159 342,129
United Kingdom … … … 13,196 64.378 26,345 68,401
Per cent. … … … 17.3 36.1 10.1 20.0
Germany … … … 8,150 12,828 52,823 36,089
Per cent. … … … 10.7 7.2 20.3 10.5

1932 and 1938. As regards the second part, everything possible has been done by means of trade agreement and otherwise to promote the trade of this country with South American markets, to which the aggregate value of exports of United Kingdom produce and manufactures has increased from approximately £21,000,000 in 1932 to approximately £33,000,000 in 1938.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not clear from the figures that the Minister will present that there is no solution of this war for markets, while monopoly capitalists in this country and in Germany continue their present activities?

Following is the information: