§ Sir R. Glynasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the reasons for the fall of British purchases of Greek tobacco from about 1,900,000 kilos in 1919, to an average of about 250,000 kilos in recent years to as low a level as 45,400 kilos in 1936; whether he is aware that the average German purchase of tobacco from Greece is now over 2,000,000 kilos; whether any steps are being taken to increase the quantity bought for British use, in view of the great importance of this Greek export in the economic relations between this country and Greece?
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§ Mr. R. S. HudsonThe year 1919, like 1915, was a' wholly exceptional year as regards United Kingdom imports of tobacco from Greece, and in general a survey of the figures relating to imports for the last 30 years shows remarkable fluctuations. German imports of Greek tobacco have for many years been heavier than our own. The question of increased purchases is, as my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West (Sir J. Leech) on nth July, under consideration and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.