asked the President of the Board of Trade the total exports from this country to China during the 12 months ended the, 31st March, 1925. including exports to possessions in China belonging to this and other countries?

If my hon. Friend will permit me, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table of figures giving i the information he desires as far as it is available.

Following is the table:

of their respective Governments, to whom this arrangement will be submitted as a suitable basis for the Franco-German trade negotiations: and, in view of the effect this proposal would have upon the iron trade in this country, will he make immediate inquiry into the matter?

I am informed that a provisional understanding as regards the mutual interchange of certain metallurgical products has been come to between the German and French iron industries, but that this arrangement is dependent on the conclusion of an agreement between the respective Governments which has not yet been attained. The hon. Member may rest assured that the progress of these negotiations is being carefully watched by our representatives in France and Germany. I may add that we have been assured by the French Government that no final arrangements will be made as regards French and German metallurgical industries which involve the action or consent of the French Government without prior notice to Great Britain.