§ 44. Mr. SANDYSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the difficulties of re-establishing the Empire Marketing Board in its previous form, he will approach the Dominion Governments with a view to entering into bilateral or multilateral agreements to extend publicity on behalf of British and Empire products?
§ 48. Mr. DONNERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether His Majesty's Government recognise that the need for Empire publicity has not ceased as a result of the introduction of tariff preferences; and, if so, what steps he is taking to re-establish those activities relating to publicity and market promotion which have been discontinued since the abolition of the Empire Marketing Board?
Mr. MacDONALDI do not think that, in present circumstances, any useful purpose would be served by an approach to the Dominion Governments with a view to re-opening the question of publicity, which was settled with them as recently as 1933. As my Noble Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys) on 23rd March, several of the Governments concerned are themselves active in regard to publicity and market promotion on their own behalf.
§ Mr. DONNERCould not my right hon. Friend recognise that if this publicity ceases altogether the volume of inter-Imperial trade is likely to be adversely affected?
§ Mr. LUNNHas there been any intimation from any Dominion Government that they intend to change their policy and contribute towards publicity in this country for Dominion products?
Mr. MacDONALDI have had no such intimation and, in regard to the other question which was asked, as I pointed out in the original reply, the publicity did not stop altogether, but is being carried on by various Governments concerned.