HC Deb 17 March 1931 vol 249 c1843
31. Mr. WOMERSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is yet in a position to state what sum of money the Empire Marketing Board will be authorised to expend during the coming financial year for the purpose of publicity in favour of United Kingdom goods in parts of the Empire, as recommended by the recent Imperial Conference?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the DOMINIONS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

No, Sir.

Mr. LESLIE BOYCE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if a sum has been appropriated for this purpose?

Mr. THOMAS

The hon. Member knows that the Government have been urged to take steps to effect economies. Every effort is made to see where money can be saved and the Estimate for the Empire Marketing Board will suffer in the same way as others.

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

Can the right hon. Gentleman take some of the money already allocated for this purpose?

Mr. THOMAS

I am sure the hon. and gallant Member must be aware that the money allocated last year is spent. We are dealing here with the coming year.