HC Deb 04 May 1931 vol 252 cc34-5
74. Dr. HASTINGS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what amount of the annual cost of the Empire Marketing Board is paid by the Dominions and what amount by this country?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Lunn)

The whole of the annual expenditure incurred from the Empire Marketing Fund is borne by this country, no direct contributions thereto feeing made by the Dominions. Many research schemes in the oversea parts of the Empire are, however, financed as to one-half from the Empire Marketing Fund and as to the other half by the Dominion or Colonial Government concerned. The amounts promised from sources other than the Empire Marketing Fund towards the cost of schemes in which the Board has an interest is over£500,000.

Dr. HASTINGS

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that the Dominions are getting better value than this country out of this board?

Mr. LUNN

I think that is a matter of opinion. I hold the opinion that we are getting good value from the Empire Marketing Board