HC Deb 08 May 1947 vol 437 c75W
73. Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons were employed in the export industry in April, 1946, and April, 1947, respectively; and what was the gross export tonnage in each of these months.

Sir S. Cripps

The latest figures for the number of persons employed on orders for export in the manufacturing industries relate to January, when the number so employed was estimated to be 1,477,000 compared with 975,000 a year earlier. It is not possible to state the gross tonnage of our exports in April, 1946, and 1947, since a number of the items are recorded by value only. The volume of exports of United Kingdom goods, which is calculated by revaluing all exports at average values of the year 1938, is estimated at 101 per cent. of that year in the first quarter of this year, compared with 84 per cent. in the first quarter of last year.