HC Deb 16 April 1930 vol 237 cc2890-1
50. Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what action his Department has initiated for the purpose of bringing before exporters the recommendations of the D'Abernon Report on South American trade; and what his Department proposes to do to help exporters to put the recommendations into operation?

Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

My Department has called the attention of all British chambers of commerce, trade associations and other organisations, and of over 1,500 individual firms, to the D'Abernon Report. In addition, the Commercial Counsellor at Buenos Aires, who accompanied the Mission, has recently interviewed over 400 firms in this country Interested in trade with Argentina and has given an address to the British Export Society. The Overseas Trade Development Council of my Department has already met Lord D'Abernon and the other members of his Mission, and discussions are now taking place with representatives of selected industries.

Mr. SAMUEL

As these hundreds of persons and associations have received copies of this report, and as the report made certain specific suggestions, does not the hon. Gentleman think that this is a matter in which he himself ought to take a personal lead?

Mr. GILLETT

That is just what I am doing; I am interviewing the people concerned.