asked the President of the Board of Trade the exports of lace, in quantity and value, from this country, other than lace made wholly of cotton, in the years 1924 and 1928, respectively?

The total declared value of lace of United Kingdom manufacture, other than that declared as cotton, exported from this country during the years 1924 and 1928, was £118,127 and £646,826, respectively. The figure for 1924 unavoidably excludes artificial silk lace and includes linen embroidery, as such goods were not separately recorded in that year. In the second half of 1925 the exports of these articles amounted to £29,810 and £11,626 respectively. Comparable quantitative data are not available.

Is this not a striking example of the beneficent influence of the Safeguarding of Industries?

Do these figures include re-exports, and also the net portion of the lace trade?

As I said in my answer, it is lace of United Kingdom manufacture other than that declared as cotton. I think that the net consists almost entirely of cotton.

Why does not the hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper instead of making an electioneering answer?

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly repeat his question?

The question asked is for total exports, and the hon. Gentleman gives as an answer something which suits his purpose.

I am asked for exports of lace and I have given exports of lace other than lace made wholly of cotton. The figures with regard to cotton have frequently been given, and the hon. Member apparently desires to have the other figures.

My hon. Friend has given me exactly the answer I wanted.