§ 79. Sir G. Mitchesonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in 371 view of the fact that the adverse visible balance of trade in the first three months of this year was £178,713,000 as compared with only £101,713,000 in the first three months of 1915, when our investments overseas were greater than they are now, he will take steps to simplify the procedure to enable those firms which obtain export orders to secure the necessary materials for their execution?
§ Mr. ShakespeareAs my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply stated on 3rd April, every effort is made to ensure that export trade is not hampered by avoidable difficulties over raw materials. Export groups are being rapidly formed in accordance with the policy of the Export Council, and the Board of Trade collaborate closely with the Controllers through the Ministry of Supply in order to ensure that the fullest possible facilities are given to the export trade covered by these groups.
§ Sir Frank SandersonWill my hon. Friend consider a development of air services to foreign countries overseas, and in particular to South America?
§ Mr. ShakespearePerhaps the hon. Member will discuss that with me.