HC Deb 08 July 1930 vol 241 cc210-2
15. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the reason for erecting specimen frames of the Em- pire Marketing Board in overseas Empire countries; and whether this is to advertise British or other Empire produce abroad?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

A specimen of the Empire Marketing Board's poster frame has been erected in a few important cities in certain overseas Empire countries, with the object of giving a practical illustration to the people of the country concerned of the work that the Board are undertaking on behalf of Empire produce in the United Kingdom.

Mr. MANDER

Is it intended to extend the erection of these boards beyond the specimen stage?

Mr. THOMAS

I hope that the general principle on which the Empire Marketing Board is doing so much may be appreciated and recognised in the Dominions.

Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that consideration is given to this matter on the simple point whether it is desirable or not to try to redress the balance as between Empire and foreign produce?

Mr. THOMAS

Certainly; that is a matter which will be taken into consideration.

20. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if any of the 11 poster sets used by the Empire Marketing Board in advertising British goods have been displayed in the Dominions and Colonies; and, if so, in which?

18. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether posters issued by the Empire Marketing Board dealing with the produce and manufactures of Great Britain are exhibited in the overseas Empire; and, if not, whether arrangements can be made for their exhibition with the object of drawing attention to the products of this country?

Mr. THOMAS

Specimen copies of all the posters issued by the Empire Marketing Board are sent regularly to His Majesty's Trade Commissioners in the Dominions, the West Indian and East Africa Colonies and Malaya, for such display as local conditions permit. The object of sending out these specimens is to give a practical illustration to the people of the territories concerned of the work that the Board are undertaking on behalf of Empire produce in the United Kingdom. In regard to the second part of Question No. 18, the Board's activities are limited by the terms of the Empire Marketing Vote to furthering the sale of Empire products (including home agricultural products) in this country.