§ 4. Mr. G. Straussasked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government are taking any special steps to satisfy, by British exports, those export markets from which Germany has now been cut off?
§ Mr. StanleyI have already emphasised the importance attached by His Majesty's Government to the promotion of the export trade by the United Kingdom, and the difficulty which Germany may now be expected to experience in maintaining trade with overseas markets is an element in the general problem of which full account is being taken.
§ Mr. StraussHave the Government formulated any plans or taken the initiative in the matter, or is the whole question to be left to the private traders?
§ Mr. StanleyNo, Sir; it is almost impossible to discuss these matters in a general sense, as it depends so entirely upon the market. In some cases the withdrawal of German exports in a market where we are already competing merely will mean that we are hoping for more inquiries for the kind of goods we are already sending. In other markets where we have been less able to compete, special measures may be taken.
§ Mr. BoothbyCan my right hon. Friend say whether the whole question of barter trade with these various neutral countries is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. StanleyThat, again, does not lend itself entirely to generalities. There are some countries clearly where barter trade is inapplicable, and there are other countries where some form of barter trade, probably, is the only means of trading, and there the matter is under consideration.
7. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to maintaining the prestige of British manufacturers in overseas markets and the further development of export trade, he will promote a broadcast advocating the continuance of advertising in wartime as a national asset in securing increased revenue from overseas for British manufactured goods?
§ Mr. StanleyThe importance which His Majesty's Government attach to the promotion of this country's export trade in present circumstances has been repeatedly emphasised, and I am sure that British exporters are fully alive to the necessity of retaining and attracting customers by every possible means, including advertising.
Mr. De la BèreDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that a great export trade is vitally necessary for this country, and does not he further realise the importance of replacing German export goods with goods from this country wherever possible?
§ Mr. StanleyYes, Sir. I have just answered a question on that point.
Mr. De la BèreHas not the right hon. Gentleman seen the recent ruling of the Board of Inland Revenue that they are prepared to consider allowances of taxation in this connection?
§ Mr. StanleyThat is quite a different point from that about which the hon. Gentleman was asking, and if he has any question to ask with regard to taxation he should ask it of the appropriate Minister.