§ 33. Mr. HANNONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has had under consideration the official report on the external trade of the Nyasaland Protectorate for the year 1929; if he has noted the growth of intensified foreign competition with British trade in the Protectorate; and what steps he is taking to maintain the predominance of British goods in this market?
§ Mr. LUNNThe reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the third part, would direct the hon. Member's attention to the 18th paragraph of the report.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not important that His Majesty's Government should concentrate upon keeping this market for British manufacturers and that active steps should be taken to prevent the increasing volume of foreign trade?
§ Mr. LUNNIt is of great importance that we should retain, encourage, and develop this market and markets in every part of the Empire, and I would call the hon. Member's attention to the paragraph in the report which says that it is only by personal representation in the first instance followed by a live agency, that is adopting the methods of foreign firms, can British manufacturers recover trade which has been lost. That applies to parts other than Nyasaland.
§ Mr. HANNONBut will the Government exercise their influence and back up these representatives?
§ Mr. LUNNHis Majesty's Government are willing to help manufacturers as far as possible in developing trade in any markets.