§ 88. Sir G. Mitchesonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as it is possible for Germany to deduce with considerable accuracy the volume of our trade in various commodities by an examination of the trade statistics of neutral countries, he will consider the resumption of the publication of fuller details in the monthly returns?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThough some countries continue to publish detailed monthly trade statistics, the information thus available would enable Germany to obtain only a partial record of our trade and that after a considerable interval. I fear therefore that the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would be of assistance to the enemy.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes not my hon. and gallant Friend think that this suppression of information is far more a suspension of our opportunites to consider the economic situation of this country than any protection against Germany?