HC Deb 08 December 1953 vol 521 c1793
35. Mr. George Craddock

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage of industrial production for home consumption, and the percentage of industrial production for export for the 12 months ended September, 1953.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The information available relates to manufacturing industries other than the manufacture of food, drink and tobacco; for these industries taken together, the percentage, in the 12 months ended September, 1953, of the value of output for home consumption was approximately 72 per cent. and the percentage for export approximately 28 per cent.

Mr. Craddock

May I ask the Chancellor how these figures compare with the previous year?

Mr. Butler

I should want notice in order to give an accurate answer. All I know is that I should like to see more for export.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is there not a real danger in the fact that too much of our increasing industrial production is going to the home market?

Mr. Butler

It is a very good thing that our home production is increasing, but I repeat that I should like to see more going into export.