§ Colonel Ponsonbyasked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of tobacco produced in Empire countries and imported from Empire countries in the years 1920, 1928 and 1938, respectively; and what is the corresponding position at the present time.
§ Mr. MarquandThe following table shows the aggregate production of tobacco in, and imports into the United Kingdom from, Empire countries in the periods required.
Tobacco Production in the British Empire. Million lb. 1928 … … … … 1,458 1958 … … … … 1,280 Note—Indian production of tobacco in 1928 was 1,337 million lb. and in 1938, 1,100 million lb. The greater part of this is unsuitable for use in this country. Production figures for India are not available for years prior to 1927.
Imports of Unmanufactured Tobacco into the United Kingdom from Empire Countries. Million lb. 1920 … … 18.2 1928 … … 43.1 1938 … … 82.8 Jan.-Oct, 1946 … … 48.3 Note—Figures of total production in the Empire as a whole are not available for recent years.
I would also refer the hon. and gallant Member to a similar statement showing details for each Empire country circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 20th February in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor).