§ 13. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps he is taking to obtain the 8 release of the frozen remittances of British traders in Central and South Europe and South America?
§ Mr. JOHN COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The severity of these difficulties varies greatly from country to country. In all of them the commercial diplomatic officers are closely and unceasingly engaged in watching the interests of United Kingdom exporters and giving such assistance as is possible. Where conditions permit they have been able to achieve a substantial measure of success.
§ Mr. CHORLTONCan the hon. Member give rather more definite particulars as to what is happening?
§ Mr. COLVILLEIt is not possible to review the whole field within the compass of question and answer. If the hon. Member will raise specific points, I shall be glad to give him what information I have.
§ 14. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if, in addition to the particulars the department publishes periodically regarding trade restrictions, he will include the adverse effect on the balance of trade of the non-payment of sums due to British exporters for their goods?
§ Mr. COLVILLEStatistics showing the total United Kingdom trade with individual countries are published quarterly but information regarding the payment of accounts is neither called for nor supplied by exporters. I am unable therefore to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs the hon. Member aware that exporters are only now beginning to appreciate the value of this information?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI am very anxious to make all possible use of these returns, but the suggestion of the hon. Member is impracticable for the reason I have stated.