17.
asked the President, of the Board of Trade what was the value of the imports and exports of Mesopotamia for the years 1920 and 1921, exclusive of military and railway goods; and what was the proportion of that trade handled by British subjects, British banking, shipping. and insurance companies?
The answer contains a number of figures, and, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following is the answer:
The aggregate values of the imports into and exports front Iraq, exclusive of stores imported by the military authorities or the Government., were as follows:
| 1920. | 1921. | |
| Rupees. | Rupees. | |
| Imports | 232,750,215 | 205,639,235 |
| Exports | 95,347,768 | 98,347,912 |
In addition, bullion and specie to the value of 8,459,389 rupees in 1920 and 74,334,555 rupees in 1921 were exported.
I am unable to furnish information regarding the classes or nationalities of the agents engaged in conducting this trade.