§ 83. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Empire Marketing Board is still advertising Indian products in this country in preference to similar products of non-Empire origin in the same way as the products of other parts of the Empire are advertised; and whether he can give any estimate of the amount that has been spent, or the proportionate amount, on advocating the purchase of Indian goods in this country since the establishment of the Empire Marketing Board?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)Generally speaking, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is impossible to give any estimate of the amount devoted to the special benefit of Indian products.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making the information he has given to me known in India through the overseas trade organisation?
§ Mr. THOMASCertainly. The idea of turning the other cheek always commends itself to me.
Earl WINTERTONIn view of the importance of getting this fact known in Indian commercial circles, would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make an estimate and arrange with the Government of India to have the figures published in the commercial journals of India?
§ Mr. THOMASAs far as the Board are concerned, we have never differentiated between the Dominions, and the position of India has always been treated in the same relationship as the rest; there has been no distinction. I think the Noble Lord's suggestion as to the value we attach to advertising their products ought to be made known in India.
§ Mr. BRACKENIs turning the other cheek the sole policy of His Majesty's Government in India?
§ 84. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Empire Marketing Board have an absolutely free hand to draw attention to the conditions under which goods are produced in certain foreign 1372 countries as compared with home and Empire production, with the view of promoting the Empire and home trades?
§ Mr. THOMASNo restrictions are imposed on the Board in tendering advice in this respect. They have, however, preferred to emphasise the excellent conditions of production in Empire countries rather than to criticise conditions in competitive centres of production outside the British Empire.