§ 27. Mr. Liddallasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the chairman of the Export Council or of the Economic Council will proceed abroad to study in the overseas markets the steps required, and in what countries and with whom, to extend export business, so that British industrialists, when they visit overseas markets, may be guided as to how to organise and extend export trade?
§ Sir A. DuncanNo, Sir. We already have our commercial representatives in all the important overseas markets in the person of trade commissioners within the Empire, and commercial, diplomatic and consular officers in foreign countries. It is their duty to report on ways and means of stimulating United Kingdom exports, and their advice and local knowledge are 186 available to any British industrialist or trader travelling abroad.
§ Mr. LiddallDoes not the Minister think it extremely important that the chairman of this Export Council should himself be au fait with the matter?
§ Mr. LevyIs full use being made of this Council, and is it keeping in touch with the right hon. Gentleman, besides answering queries that industrialists make?
§ Sir A. DuncanCertainly, full reports are being made.
§ Mr. ManderHave any arrangements been made for the transfer of the necessary currency from overseas to this country, with a view to extending the export trade?