§ Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade why artificial silk imported into this country is not registered as artificial silk in the Returns; and whether he will arrange in future that it shall be so registered?
Mr. ROBERTSONA separate record has been kept for some years of the total value of artificial silk imported into the United Kingdom, and the figures have been published, together with those relating to other minor articles not enumerated in the Import List, on page 39 of Volume I. of the Annual Statement of Trade for the United Kingdom for 1911 and corresponding pages of previous issues. The total value of these imports has not hitherto been considered sufficient to justify the separate enumeration of artificial silk in the Import List, or the publication of detailed information with regard to such imports. The suggestion of the hon. Member will, however, be referred to the Departmental Committee which meets annually to consider questions relative to the form and scope of the Official Trade Returns.