Major Lloydasked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the total value of the production of the British motor-vehicle manufacturing industry represented exports in 1938; and if he will provide similar information in the case of the twelve leading exports of British manufacture in that year.
2045W
§ Sir S. CrippsThe latest year for which figures relating to industrial production are generally available is 1935. In that year, exports represented about 15 per cent, of the total value of the output of motor vehicles. It is not possible to give precise percentages for each of our twelve leading exports before the war, but the following table shows approximate figures for certain leading commodities in 1935. The figures are based on values, except those for coal and spirits, which are based on quantities. The commodities are arranged in their order of importance as exports in 1935.
Commodity and Proportion of production exported. Cotton yarn and manufactures 50 Machinery (other than electrical) 30 Coal 17½* Woollen and worsted yarns and manufactures 30 Chemicals (other than drugs and dyestuffs) 25 Spirits 10–15† Linen and hemp yarns and manufactures 45–50 Paper and Board 10–15 Electrical machinery 15–20 Pottery 20–25 Paints, colours and varnish 10–15 Drugs, medicines and medicinal preparations 20 * Based on weight of production and exports (excluding bunkers); the corresponding figure for 1938 was 16 per cent. †Based on quantity. This heading relates essentially to whisky.