§ 21. Sir A. WILLIAMSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will say what steps are being taken to ascertain the extent of the endeavours made by the United States to capture South American trade; and if he has yet seen Mr. Carnegie Ross, His Majesty's Consul-General at San Francisco, who is now on leave in this country?
Sir A. STEEL MAITLANDThe Department of Overseas Trade is already in possession of a considerable amount of information as to the steps which are being taken to develop trade between the United States and South America, and both the Commercial, Diplomatic and the Consular Services are alive to the importance of reporting fully on the activities of the competitors of this country in the South American markets. I hope to be in a position shortly to announce further appointments to the Commercial Diplomatic Service in South America. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of firms have been removed from the black list by the American Government beyond the number removed by our Government and that cables have been received in this country from South America in which the following words are used: "Americans showing great activity"; and in connection with that is it not the case that when the Consul-General from San Francisco asked for an interview with the hon. Gentleman he was referred to a subordinate in the first instance?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI had a long conversation with the Consul-General from San Francisco, but he told me that his own particular information about South America was not very recent. If the right hon. Member will give me the particular information which he has received, I shall be glad to consider it together with the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIs it not the case that the hon. Gentleman gave instructions that the Consul-General from San Francisco should be referred to a subordinate, stating he was unable to receive him?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am not sure. I shall be glad to look into it.