§ 29. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is making arrangements to be kept in touch with the Australian mission to Japan; and whether, on behalf of the Lancashire cotton trade, he will bring to the attention of this mission the substantial preferential advantages which Australian produce enjoys in the markets of Great Britain?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on the 14th February. I understand that the purpose of the Australian mission to the far East is the cultivation of general friendly relations between the Commonwealth of Australia and neighbouring countries. Should any discussions take place on commercial matters, I am confident that so important a factor in Australian trade as that to which the hon. Member refers could not be overlooked.