INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 23 May 1936, Page 2

INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY

INCREASE IN BRITAIN (United Press Association) RUGBY, 20th May. The Board of Trade index of industrial activity in the United Kingdom was 1.9 per cent, greater in thq first quarter of 1936 than in the preceding quarter, and 8.9 per cent, greater than in the first quarter of 1935, the index numbers for the three periods being 123.1, 120.8, and 113.0 respectively. Index numbers for the March quarter, both for manufacturing industries and (or ail groups together, represent the greatest volume of production since the inception of the index. Production of iron and steel goods constitutes a record. Production of textiles was the highest since the first quarter of 1928, and of coal since the first quarter of 1930. RISE IN OVERSEAS TRADE RUGBY, 20th May. Figures of distribution of overseas trade in the first quarter of the year between British and other countries show an increase in the percentage of imports from the former from 39.38 per cent, in the corresponding period of last year to 40.72 per' cent, this year. Exports to British countries accounted in the March quarter for 48.4 per cent, of the value of total shipments against 46.2 per cent, a year ago.