HC Deb 11 November 1908 vol 196 cc276-7
MR. BARRIE (Londonderry, N.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to appoint trade correspondents for the new Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan; and why are appointments for Montreal and Toronto being delayed pending the Report of the Trade Commissioner.

MR. CHURCHILL

In view of the absence of important trade centres in Alberta and Saskatchewan, it is not, at present, thought necessary to appoint trade correspondents in either of those provinces, but if it appears expedient in the future such correspondents will be appointed. Appointments for Montreal and Toronto are being delayed until it is definitely decided what city His Majesty's Trade Commissioner shall make his headquarters.

MR. WATT

Will the right hon. Gentleman, when he makes these appointments, see that business men are chosen, and not lawyers or soldiers?

MR. BARRIE

On whose authority are these appointments made?

MR. CHURCHILL

The appointments emanate from the Board of Trade.

MR. BARRIE

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the previous commercial experience of Mr. R. Grigg, the British Trade Commissioner for Canada.

MR. CHURCHILL

I fully satisfied myself of Mr. Grigg's qualifications for the post in question prior to appointing him thereto. He is neither a lawyer nor a soldier. He has been engaged for many years in business in this country, besides possessing an intimate knowledge of Canada. Mr. Grigg has recently conducted a commercial mission in the Dominion for the Advisory Committee of the Board of Trade on Commercial Intelligence. His Report upon his mission has been laid before the House.