§ 22. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the success of the enterprise of Scottish trading interests in sending the steamship "Letitia" on a trade mission to Canada, any steps have been taken by his Department to ascertain whether this success will justify similar trade mission ships being sent on behalf of English manufacturers to Canada and the other Dominions, in view of the special opportunities offered by the forthcoming Ottawa Conference?
§ Mr. COLVILLEThe Department of Overseas Trade is closely examining the results achieved by the Scottish trade mission to Canada, and is prepared to consider co-operation with any similar undertaking by trading interests which may be brought before it. I am, however, not aware of any such scheme being in contemplation at the present time.
§ Mr. SMITHIn view of the desirability of encouraging such missions in the near future, owing to the depression in trade, will the hon. Gentleman communicate with one or other of the trade associations, such as the Federation of British Industries, and suggest that such matters should receive their consideration?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI am very frequently in touch with the associations referred to, and I am willing to take the hon. Member's proposal into consideration.