HC Deb 08 May 1939 vol 347 cc13-4
26. Mr. Lyons

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether during his recent trade investigations, he has found any methods of British exporting firms need alteration in the interests of British industry; whether, for the guidance of all concerned, he will take an early opportunity of indicating if we are failing to secure trade because of wrong methods of individual firms; and, if so, how, and in what direction, these methods should be improved or altered?

Mr. Cross

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department on 24th April to my hon. Friends the Members for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) and West (Sir J. Leech). The Department takes every opportunity to discuss with trade organisations and individual firms the many aspects of selling methods in overseas markets—a subject which is also dealt with in the reports by its overseas officers published by the Department. As conditions differ widely, both as to countries and industries, they can more suitably be dealt with in this manner than in a general memorandum.