§ 8. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government look with favour on the proposed round-the-world voyage of the ss. "British Trade," with showrooms and samples of British goods, and now fitting out at Hull; if so, will he let this be known officially to the organisers; if he is aware that no Government money is asked for or expected, but that manufacturers and merchants are hesitating to participate in the venture until they have assurances of Government approval; and if this approval cannot be expressed, will he state the reasons?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on the 13th March to a similar question addressed to my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board 2324 of Trade, by my hon. Friend the Member for the East Division of Hull.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYYes; but may I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman, seeing that this answer was absolutely non-committal, whether the Government take any interest at all in this venture, and if so will they inform themselves of it, and see if they can support it—at least morally?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI have nothing to add to the answer which I have given.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I press the President of the Board of Trade on this question; is he aware that this venture has been entered into by a number of ex-officers, and that it is paid for—