§ 47. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of placing the Department of Overseas Trade on a better footing and housing it in proper and adequate quarters in order that it can, with efficiency and speed, supply British manufacturers with all the information they desire so that they may be in a better position to meet foreign competition in overseas markets, and thereby increase the output of British factories and workshops?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)The question of "placing the Department of Overseas Trade on a better footing" is not one for this Department. As regards the remainder of the question, the subject of the rehousing of the Department has been under consideration for some time, but no more suitable premises are available at present to which is can be transferred.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIf this is not a question for his Department, can the right hon. Gentleman say why he was asked to reply?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can answer that question, because I asked the right hon. Gentleman to reply. I understood that the question as to putting the Department on a better footing meant better housing.