HC Deb 15 October 1945 vol 414 cc724-5W
Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries from which furs and skins, dressed and undressed, are imported into this country; the number and value of such imports in the years 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944; the number and value imported since war-time restrictions have been lifted; and the number and value of furs and skins, dressed and undressed, exported during the same periods.

Sir S. Cripps

The principal countries from which fur skins are imported are: Canada, Union of South Africa, India, Newfoundland, Russia, Sweden, Norway, France, Persia, Afghanistan, the United States and Argentina. No information is available about the number and value of fur skins imported since import restrictions were lifted on 8th September. The number of skins imported and exported is not recorded; the declared value is given in the following table:

— 1938. 1939. 1940. 1941. 1942. 1943. 1944.
Imports— £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Undressed fur skins (other than rabbit skins). 11,350 7,921 3725 370 588 194 152
Dressed fur skins (other than rabbit skins and clothing). 1,645 1,194 369 2 4 3 1
Exports—
Undressed fur skins (other than rabbit skins). 50 70 81 30 11 61 50
Dressed fur skins (other than rabbit skins and clothing). 1,857 1,217 666 218 174 244 25
Re-exports—
Undressed fur skins (other than rabbit skins). 8,116 6,912 3,018 241 50 96 51
Dressed fur skins (other than rabbit skins and clothing). 827 424 104 18 3 8 12

Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of coats and other garments made of wool and fibre in imitation of fur coats and garments exported during the years of war; the countries to which they were exported; and the total value of such exports in each year.

Sir S. Cripps

I regret that the desired information is not available, as no separate record is kept of such exports.