§ Mr. E. Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to bring about a considerable expansion in the export trade to the United States of America in particular, and the South American countries and others in general; and is he satisfied that the principal export trades are permitted to import the raw material they require?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonThe Board of Trade are in consultation with the leading export industries in order that, in co-operation with the Ministry of Supply in regard to controlled raw materials, the fullest measure of supplies possible in present circumstances may be assured to these industries. In their consultations the Department invariably draws attention to the comparative importance of the various markets.
§ Sir R. Glynasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of the total exports for the month of October and of the total since the outbreak of war to the end of October; how do these figures compare with those for the similar period in 1938 and 1937; and to what extent has there been a diminution of British exports to Turkey, China and Japan?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonThe following table shows the value of exports (including re-exports) of merchandise from the United Kingdom, as registered during the periods specified:
Month. 1937. 1938. 1939. £'000 £'000 £'000 October 52,915 48,006 26,621 September and October. 102,383 91,853 52,079 Exports to Turkey were substantially the same as last year, but there was a considerable reduction in exports to China and Japan.