§ 105. Mr. G. Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that imports into Cardiff docks declined by 18.9 per cent. in 1952 and that exports from the same port declined by 18.5 per cent. in comparison with 1951; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. H. StraussI have not been able to trace the figures quoted by the hon. Member. According to our information 187W the tonnage of exports through Cardiff increased by 26 per cent. and of imports decreased by 23 per cent. between 1951 and 1952. It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to promote the expansion of our external trade.
§ 106. Mr. G. Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that shipping arrivals at Cardiff docks during 1952 declined by 287 vessels, as compared with 1951; and to what extent this decline was caused by the abolition of bulk purchase of timber.
IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM Year Granite Marble Raw in blocks Wholly or mainly manufactured Rough or sawn Wholly or mainly*manufactured tons £ tons £ tons £ tons £ 1946 … 121 1,398 1,109 9,064 2,568 60,817 67 4,137 1947 … 242 3,112 2,512 20,221 27,210 727,829 57 2,138 1948 … 3,730 28,279 3,241 24,599 15,636 396,968 90 7,456 1949 … 7,909 65,726 3,196 74,526 23,522 511,680 718 46,733 1950 … 9,289 94,012 2,506 52,526 26,509 554,993 762 69,314 1951 … 9,474 100,664 3,956 79,230 33,154 776,822 850 76,505 1952 … 11,553 129,634 2,868 63,423 28,126 662,564 685 66,002 * Other than works of art.