HC Deb 22 July 1925 vol 186 cc2206-7
80. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the statement made by the Minister for Lands in the New Zealand Parliament deploring the indifference of British manufacturers in not sending experienced men to ascertain New Zealand's requirements, and the further statement that this omission is mainly responsible for the United States getting a good deal of New Zealand's custom; and whether he will issue a Circular to British traders calling their attention to the matter?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The statements referred to by my hon. Friend have not previously been brought to my notice. While I do not consider the allegation of indifference to be in any way generally warranted by the facts, the Report of His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, published by my Department early in the present year, gives careful attention to various aspects of British selling organisations which he regards as capable of improvement. I do not therefore think a further Circular necessary at this time.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Am I to understand that the hon. Gentleman contradicts the statement made by the Minister in New Zealand?

Sir B. CHADWICK

No, I did not contradict it. I said it had not been brought to my notice until this moment. I think the hon. Gentleman will find that this matter is very extensively dealt with in the Report which has just been published on New Zealand trading.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Report to which he refers was taken some time ago, and the statement to which I refer was made this week?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The Report is a Report dated January of this year, which has not been disseminated throughout the country as it may be in the future.

Class of Vessel. Vessels under Construction.
In Great Britain and Ireland. In other Countries. In all Countries.
No. Gross Tonnage. No. Gross Tonnage. No. Gross Tonnage.
All Vessels … … … 273 1,093,587 401 1,276,244 674 2,369,831
Of which—
Steam Vessels … … … 196 687,607 210 524,918 406 1,212,525
Motor Vessels … … … 58 399,070 141 730,842 109 1,129,912