§ Mr. HORNERasked whether a London daily financial paper is organising a large party of representative British manufacturers and leading commercial and financial men to visit Canada, with the object of investigating the opportunities there for the erection of branch factories, of furthering the extension of British trade with Canada, and the investment of capital in that country; whether the Canadian Government, recognising the importance of improving the commercial relations between this country and Canada, has expressed its cordial sympathy with the objects in view, and is co-operating with and assisting the organisers of the party; and whether the Government will take any steps to assist British traders to obtain a greater share of the immense volume of Canada's trade which at present is carried, on with the United States?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State has seen the reports in the Press referred to. His Majesty's Government, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, maintain a Trade Commissioner in Canada for the purpose of promoting British trade, and an inquiry into the trade of the Empire is about to be held. The Government are always ready to take any practicable steps with a view to assisting British trade.
§ Mr. AMERYWill the right hon. Gentleman or his colleague consider the desirability of increasing the staff of the Board of Trade Commissioner in Canada, who has already done such very good work, and who has to compete with 260 American agents?
§ Colonel SEELYI will convey the point raised by the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. COOPERIs it not a fact that the Canadian Government in this case have found a sum of $15,000 to assist this group of traders?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not know.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a question of detail.