HC Deb 02 August 1939 vol 350 c2408W
Mr. A. Henderson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that according to the official trade return figures the total of British exports and re-exports from 1st October, 1934, to 31st March, 1939, was £120,743,000, while the official estimate on 19th July was that between 1st November, 1934, and 31st May, 1939, the total was at least £135,000,000; and whether he will account for such discrepancy?

Mr. R. S. Hudson

On the assumption that the hon. and learned Member is referring to trade with Germany, the first figure quoted is approximately correct, the actual figure being £119,467,000. The figure of £135,000,000 was an estimate made in accordance with a method of calculation provided for in the Anglo-German Payments Agreement to determine Germany's obligations under that agreement, including items which do not appear in the trade returns.