HC Deb 12 May 1931 vol 252 cc991-2
60. Mr. HURD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the programme of the Empire Marketing Board for the present year as affecting British agriculture; what sum of money is to be spent on that programme; and what proportion this sum bears to the total estimated expenditure of the board?

Mr. THOMAS

A grant of £50,000 is being made available from the Empire Marketing Fund to the home agricultural departments for the improvement and development of the marketing of home agricultural produce during the present year. The total estimated expenditure of the board in the current financial year is £600,000, and a large proportion of this expenditure, besides the specific item referred to, is calculated to yield direct benefits to home agriculture as well as to other parts of the Empire.

Mr. HURD

Does that mean that £400,000 goes back to the Treasury?

Mr. THOMAS

It does not mean anything of the kind. It means that £400,000 is being saved by the Government in their anxiety to economise.

62. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps are being taken by the Empire Marketing Board to encourage the production of films as a means of propaganda for British trade overseas?

Mr. THOMAS

The terms of the Empire Marketing Board's Vote have hitherto precluded them from furthering the marketing of Empire products elsewhere than in the United Kingdom. In view of the proposed removal of that limitation, the position is now being reviewed.

Mr. MANDER

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received a recommendation from the Department of Overseas Trade on the matter?

Mr. THOMAS

It was only at the last Imperial Conference that it was possible to allocate funds from the Empire Marketing Board for the advertisement of our own produce. I have always held that now that we are a Dominion we are entitled to the benefits of being a Dominion, and I am seeing that we are not left out of the picture.

Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLE

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to have suitable propaganda films produced?

Mr. THOMAS

It is not limited to films. The whole problem is being reviewed with a view to seeing what is the best course to take.

Mr. LAMBERT

Does not the British taxpayer provide the whole of the funds for the Empire Marketing Board?

Mr. THOMAS

That is true, and that was the decision arrived at by the previous Government.