§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of appointing trade commissioners for the principal Crown Colonies or groups of Colonies?
Mr. BUXTONA proposal to this effect is already under consideration, and the Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence is being consulted upon the subject.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the success which has attended the appointment of Trade Commissioners in the Self-governing Dominions, he will consider the advisability of appointing Assistant Trade Commissioners in Canada in order to keep in closer touch with the commercial requirements of that country, having regard to the fact that the United States has a very large number of representatives in the dominion appointed for the same purpose?
Mr. BUXTONI am glad to believe that considerable success has attended the appointment of Trade Commissioners in the self-governing Dominions, and I am always glad to consider any suggestions for improving the present arrangements. In view, however, of the recent increase in the number of Imperial Trade Correspondents in Canada who are under the general supervision of His Majesty's Trade 197 Commissioner, I do not think the time has come for further appointments there at present.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEAre not these Correspondents and Trade Commissioners local men with local sympathies, and therefore not so likely to promote the interests of British manufacturers as a trade expert sent from this country?
Mr. BUXTONThey are local people, and their object is to give local information. The question of extending and increasing the Trade Commissioners is from time to time under consideration, but we do not see our way to increase them in the case of Canada.
§ Mr. PAGE CROFTHas the German Empire any trade agents in the Dominion of Canada?
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Prime Minister in what proportion the United Kingdom and the Dominions will be represented upon the Royal Commission to inquire into the trade of the Empire?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is proposed to have one member from each Dominion, and six from the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CROFTWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Canadian representative was appointed some months ago, before Sir Wilfrid Laurier appealed to the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe that is so.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPECan the right hon. Gentleman state whether it is a fact that the hon. Member for Swansea is to be the Chairman?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that is a question which ought to be put?
§ Mr. BOLANDWill any representative from Ireland be appointed on this Commission, in view of the relations between Ireland and the Dominions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid I cannot say anything about the composition of the Commission. It will be as complete a representative body as we can make it.
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Commission to inquire into the trade of the Empire will be appointed during this year?
§ The PRIME MINISTEREvery effort will be made to accelerate the appointment of the Commission, but I cannot promise that it will be completed by the end of the year.
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman say no salaries will be paid?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.