HC Deb 21 May 1886 vol 305 cc1654-5
MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, How many British and Irish Chambers of Commerce have responded to the invitations he stated on the 8th of March had been issued by the Foreign Office to submit suggestions as to the manner in which the services of Her Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular Officers could be turned to the best advantage for the promotion of British trade abroad, and the opening up of new markets; what is the general tenor of the views expressed; if fresh instructions in accordance therewith have been, or are about to be, issued; and, if the wishes of the Chambers of Commerce in the Colonial and Indian dominions of the Empire will also be sought upon this subject of Imperial importance?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. BRYCE) (Aberdeen, S.)

Answers have been already received to the Circular issued by the Foreign Office from the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, which represents 64 Chambers, and also from the Chambers of Manchester and Glasgow, and the Paris British Chamber of Commerce, as well as from the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, the Iron Trade Association, and the Association of Agricultural Engineers. I have more than once stated in this House and elsewhere that the Foreign Office would be glad to receive suggestions from any Bodies or persons who are interested in the question. It would be impossible within the limits of an answer to sum up the general tenour of the views expressed; but I may say that the whole subject, which is large and complex, has been, and is still, engaging the earnest attention of the Foreign Office, and it is our hope shortly to arrive at conclusions on the subject which will meet the wishes of the commercial classes. The Foreign Office is not in communication with the Chambers of Commerce of India and the Colonies, and my hon. Friend will, perhaps, address his Question to those of my Colleagues who represent the Departments concerned with those parts of Her Majesty's Dominions.

MR. HUTTON

Will the hon. Gentleman present to the House Copies of the replies received?

MR. BRYCE

That is a Question we are still considering, and before long I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject.