Mr. T. MORRISasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the annual value of the export and import trade passing through Zeila; what proportion of such trade comes from, or goes to, Great Britain; and what steps are taken to stimulate such trade?
Mr. M. MacDONALDThe value of imports and exports passing through Zeila during recent years is as follows:
Imports Exports (excluding specie). (excluding specie). 1932. £38,655 £34,721 1933. £46,771 £38,313 1934. £47,551 £43,553 There is also an unimportant transit trade, the value of which was only £1,764 in 1932. No figures are available to show what portion of Zeila trade comes from or goes to Great Britain. So far as Zeila trade generally is concerned, the Somaliland Administration has endeavoured to assist this by reducing Customs duties at the port to one-half or one-third of the general rate payable in the Protectorate. There are also no port or harbour dues. So far as British trade is concerned, this is assisted by a wide range of preferences in the Somaliland tariff.