§ 40. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the nature and extent of the organisation of his Department in India at the present time; and whether, in view of the conditions existing there respecting British trade, any special activities are being undertaken by that organisation with a view to the mitigation of difficulties?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe Department is represented in India by a senior trade commissioner at Calcutta and the trade commissioners stationed respectively at Bombay and Calcutta. As regards the last part of the question, these officers are watching the situation very closely, and, when occasion demands, are rendering such assistance as they properly can in the interests of British export trade.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEConsidering the parlous condition of British trade in India, and the efforts that are being made in India to injure and depreciate it, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the need for some counter-organisation on the part of the Government to counteract those efforts?
§ Mr. GILLETTThat matter is being very carefully considered by my Department.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLECan the hon. Gentleman say what practical measures have emanated from that consideration?
§ Mr. GILLETTThere is nothing which I can tell the hon. Member at the moment. The matter is being considered by the Department.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEDoes the hon. Gentleman refer to a new set of officers at these places, or to the trade commissioners appointed by the Government of India?
§ Mr. GILLETTI am referring to the trade commissioners appointed to act under the Overseas Trade Department of this Government.