HC Deb 26 February 1918 vol 103 cc1248-50
35. Mr. BROOKES

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to be able to make a full statement of his plans so that the House of Commons may consider whether adequate steps are being taken in the direction of promoting British trade after the War?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The hon. Member will no doubt find a full opportunity of asking for any information which he desires to have, either on the Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Overseas Trade (Development and Intelligence) for the current financial year or on the Estimate for that Department for the coming financial year.

Mr. BROOKES

Will the hon. Gentleman tell me when these discussions can take place?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

One will come on this afternoon in all probability on the Supplementary Estimate for this year and on the Estimate for the coming financial year.

36. Mr. BROOKES

asked whether any further appointment of Trade Commissioners or Commercial Attaches are in suspense owing to the inability of the Treasury to grant the necessary credits; whether, in this case, his original Estimates have been modified; and if he will give the names of those countries where the existence of our intended commercial representatives is thus imperilled?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The answer as regards the Trade Commissioner Service is in the negative. As regards the Commercial AttachéService, a scheme for a greatly extended service has been prepared by a Committee appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has been under consideration by Government. Sanction has been given for the expenditure during the coming financial year of a sum which will enable appointments to be made to a considerable proportion of the posts proposed by the Committee, and it is intended to proceed to fill these posts as quickly as possible. The question of providing for the completion of the scheme will then be again taken into consideration.

Sir F. HALL

Has the hon. Gentleman recognised the fact that great interest is taken in the City in regard to these appointments being made, and will he do his best to see that the Government do not keep down the necessary amounts that are required in order that there may be developments so that the manufacturers of this country may be able to prosecute their work with regard to capturing trade which hithertofore has been held by the enemy?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am quite well aware of the interest taken, but, as regards the provision of proper finances, perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. LOUGH

What sanction does the hon. Member refer to as having been given to the expenditure? Has this House sanctioned it, and, if not, will he undertake that there will be no expenditure until this House has sanctioned it?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The sanction in the first place is the sanction of the Treasury. The Estimates for the year will come before the House for consideration in the usual manner, like any other Department.

Sir F. HALL

May I ask whether the House is to understand that there is any difficulty in obtaining the necessary funds to carry out this important work?

Mr. LOUGH

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake that no money shall be expended until the House has given its sanction?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a question to be dealt with in Committee of Supply.