§ 19. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any evidence that the efforts of the Empire Marketing Board are bearing fruit in 11 the Dominions; and, if so, whether he can inform the House as to any direction in which this improvement in Empire trade is taking place.
§ Mr. AMERYI have been asked to reply to this question. I think it is clearly established that the work of the Empire Marketing Board is stimulating public interest in the buying of Empire produce in this country, and is affording a considerable measure of encouragement to Empire producers; but my hon. Friend will readily understand that it is hardly possible at the present stage to arrive at any measurement of the results achieved.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the Empire Marketing Board going to extend its labour to Australia and New Zealand, in order to advertise British goods there?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir. The work of the Empire Marketing Board is in view of certain preferences originally promised at the Conference, in return for the substantial preferences given by the Dominions?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that Australia and New Zealand are already showing that they wish to do everything they can to import British goods?
§ Mr. HARRISAre not they increasing their tariffs, and is that the way to encourage importation?