HC Deb 24 April 1917 vol 92 cc2213-4
21. Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is pro- posed to issue the Royal Charter authorising the establishment of the British Trade Corporation, as recommended by Lord Faringdon's Committee; and whether he will state precisely, and in detail, the objects of the corporation before the Royal Charter will be issued in order that opportunity may be given to the public to consider whether the objects, as proposed to be defined, are sufficiently widely drawn?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. G. Roberts)

An Order in Council was issued on 14th April approving the draft of the Charter of the British Trade Corporation.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Will this corporation carry on its operations at the public cost for the benefit of the shareholders in the Corporation only, or will they be carried on for the benefit of the whole trading community of the country without distinction?

Mr. ROBERTS

They will be carried on for the purposes of the whole trade of the country.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Will the whole of the information collected be available for the whole trade of the country?

Mr. ROBERTS

I understand so.