§ 21. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information to the effect that there is a growing market in Denmark and Scandinavia for British goods but that opportunities are being lost owing to the fact that British manufacturers as a whole are not sufficiently adapting themselves to the requirements of these markets; and whether he can bring this matter to the attention of the British chambers of commerce and other business authorities?
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELOn a point of Order. Before the hon. Gentleman replies, will he ask the hon. Member to substantiate the statement he has made in his question that British manufacturers are not sufficiently adapting themselves to the needs of this market?
§ Mr. COLVILLEPerhaps my answer will make the position plain.
I have no evidence to support the suggestion that manufacturers as a whole are failing to adapt themselves to the requirements of Scandinavian markets, but the Department of Overseas Trade is constantly bringing to the notice of suitable interests the opportunities of these markets and several special investigations have been carried out with satisfactory results.
§ Mr. COCKSHas not the hon. Gentleman's attention been directed to the statement made by Sir Francis Good enough and others to the effect set forth in my question?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI am well aware of the statement made by Sir Francis Good-enough on the general question, but, as I have pointed out, we have no evidence of a general neglect of this market. We are always pointing out the value of this market.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that not infrequently when Denmark attempts to obtain goods from this country she is referred either to Germany or Czechoslovakia?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI have heard such complaints, but I also know that many good orders from Denmark have been obtained recently by this country, and I believe they are being executed satisfactorily.