HC Deb 21 December 1938 vol 342 c2873
45. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of appointing a Royal Commission to examine and report upon the state of our export trade?

The Prime Minister

His Majesty's Government have no reason to regard as inadequate the existing sources of information available to them in regard to the state of this country's export trade. The information thus obtained is kept under constant review by the Ministers concerned, who are moreover assisted by the advice of bodies representative of the various interests concerned. In the circumstances I do not consider that the appointment of a Royal Commission, as suggested in the question, would serve a useful purpose.

Mr. Shinwell

As the right hon. Gentleman is unable to agree to the appointment of such a Commission, will he recommend his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to appoint, say, a Departmental Committee?

The Prime Minister

I think the came answer would apply in that case.