Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the progressive decline in British exports to China since July, 1937?
§ Captain WallaceExports to China in the third quarter of 1937 were only slightly less than in the corresponding period of 1936, but in the fourth quarter they declined to about one-third of their value a year earlier. This decline was accompanied by a large increase in exports to Hong Kong, but it is not possible to say to what extent the increase was due to the diversion to Hong Kong of shipments which might normally have been consigned to Chinese ports. The following tables show (1) the total declared value of the exports of United Kingdom goods consigned to China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao, Manchuria and leased territories, during recent periods, and (2) corresponding information in regard to Hong Kong.
(1) To China. —— 1936. 1937. Quarter ended— £'000 £'000 31st March 1,265 1,901 30th June 1,462 1,933 30th September 1,462 1,454 31st December 1,592 511
(2) To Hong Kong. —— 1936. 1937. Quarter ended— £'000. £'000. 31st March 511 621 30th June 476 778 30th September 545 888 31st December 580 1,227