29. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps, if any, he is taking to increase exports from this country to Scandinavian countries?
§ Mr. COLVILLEEvery effort is being made to follow up the investigation made into these markets by certain industries under the auspices of the Overseas Trade Development Council and my Department is from day to day bringing to the notice of United Kingdom exporters opportunities for the increased sale of their goods in Scandinavian countries. I am sending the Noble Lady copies of my previous answers regarding the forthcoming exhibition of British goods at Copenhagen.
Duchess of ATHOLLWill the hon. Member draw attention to the fact that sometimes there are fewer travellers there from this country than there are travellers from other countries which are exporting to Scandinavia?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI will take note of what the Noble Lady says.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONIs the hon. Member bearing in mind the fact that a very small proportion of British coal is consumed in Scandinavia, and will he endeavour to increase that proportion?
§ Mr. COLVILLEYes, Sir.
Captain RAMSAYIn view of the fact that the decrease in Scandinavia's purchase of coal is due to the falling off in the sales of Scandinavian timber to this country, will he bring before his colleagues the advisability of giving a preference to Scandinavian timber as against Russian timber?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI will bring that point before the notice of my colleagues.
§ Mr. CHORLTONWill my hon. Friend see that in the information asked for that he publishes, there will be particulars of the possibilities of payment for such suggested trade?
§ Mr. COLVILLEYes, that is a very important point.