HC Deb 20 February 1939 vol 344 cc18-9
48. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister whether commercial counsellors or attachés are attached to all His Majesty's Embassies and Legations in European countries?

Mr. Butler

I have been asked to reply. All His Majesty's Embassies and Legations in Europe, with the exception of the Legation to the Holy See, have attached to them a commercial staff or an officer charged with commercial duties.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the evidence of unfair competition which British industry has to meet in certain European countries, can the right hon. Gentleman say that the staff is adequate to deal with the subjects which the Board of Trade and the Overseas Trade Department will have to consider shortly?

Mr. Butler

I think so. I realise the importance of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Have the officers in charge of this work any special training?

Mr. Butler

I cannot answer for every case, but I think so.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Are any of the cases referred to as being attached to a mission abroad, attached to more than one?

Mr. Butler

In some cases that is so.