HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 c2484
6. Mr. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the figures of the total value of United Kingdom exports to Canada given in Table No. 117, supplied by his Department to the current issue of the "Monthly Digest and Statistics," are given in United States instead of Canadian dollars.

Sir H. Shawcross

We are concerned to expand our exports to the dollar area as a whole and our progress towards this important objective can best be measured in terms of United States dollars when comparisons are being made over a period which includes years before devaluation. The tables in question therefore include a column showing the United States dollar equivalent of our exports to the United States and Canada as well as the sterling figures.

Mr. Russell

Should not the table also give Canadian dollars? Is it not wrong that trade between this country and one of the Dominions should be given only in United States dollars?

Sir H. Shawcross

I think it would perhaps cause a little confusion if two different figures for dollars were quoted. The conversion is not very difficult.