40. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTONGRIFFITHSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of 23 the fact that the overseas settlement committee is confining its efforts to the emigration of men settling on the land, he can state what steps, if any, his Department is taking to promote the interests of British trade between this country and the Dominions?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe sole purpose for which the Department of Overseas Trade exists is the encouragement of British export trade, and all its activities are directed to that end. In view of the paramount importance of stimulating trade within the Empire two additional trade commissioners are about to be stationed in India, and the trade commissioner service in Canada is to be strengthened by the opening of an office at Vancouver. Every effort is being made, consistent with the need for national economy, to enable the existing trade commissioners to carry on adequately their duties in the interests of British trade.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSOne will be located in Bombay and one in Calcutta.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIs it the intention to send representatives to Australia, South Africa or New Zealand?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWe have trade commissioners at the present time in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
§ 49. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Prime Minister whether he can state the present position of the Empire development proposals; and whether he is aware of the keen interest aroused in this country and throughout the British Empire in the suggestion outlined in his election programme and his references made thereto in this House last Session?
§ 56. Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Prime Minister what is the present position of the arrangements for the forthcoming British Empire Economic Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI gather that my hon. Friends are referring to the proposed Imperial Economic Conference. As I explained on the 1st March, in reply to 24 a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, communications are still proceeding with the Governments of the Dominions and India as regards this conference. I am not, therefore, in a position to make any definite statement on the matter.