§ 34. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the intensified campaign, at the instance of German firms, for the promotion of German trade in Holland and Scandinavian countries; whether appropriate measures are being adopted to maintain British competitive power in these markets; and whether as far as possible, facilities for conveyance of mails, transmission of cables and transport of samples are receiving the constant attention of his Department?
§ Mr. StanleyI have received reports of the matter indicated by my hon. Friend. His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of promoting the United Kingdom export trade both to the countries mentioned and to other overseas markets. With this object, my Department is opening discussions with representatives of major exporting industries with a view to facilitating their operations. As regards the last part of the question, I am in constant touch with the appropriate Departments on matters affecting export trade.
§ Sir P. HannonIs my right hon. Friend aware that German industrial organisations are circularising firms in neutral countries offering certain facilities for the development of German trade as against trade with this country?
§ Mr. StanleyYes, Sir, I am aware of that, but there is a certain amount of doubt as to whether the Germans are in fact living up to the promises which they have made in those circulars.