§ 27. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether active measures are con templated for the extension of the market for British goods in neutral countries where, before the outbreak of war, British exporters were prejudicially affected by subsidised German com petition?
§ Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in an answer to a question on Wednesday, 6th September, emphasised the vital importance which His Majesty's Government attach to the maintenance of export trade at the present time. Appropriate instructions have already been 635 sent to Commercial Diplomatic officers and Trade Commissioners overseas, and the attention of these officers was specially drawn to the importance of seizing all opportunities for developing our export trade in the light of present circumstances.
§ Sir P. HannonWill my right hon. Friend keep in touch with the various trade organisations in this country which are connected with overseas trade and give them all the encouragement and co-operation he can?
§ Mr. HudsonYes, Sir; that is what I am endeavouring to do.
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the Government make it clear that if the manufacturers want to keep their export trade, they should not take advantage of the present position to raise prices unduly?