§ 24. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether active contact is being maintained with the High Commissioner and the commercial secretariat in South Africa for the continued expansion of British export trade in the Union of South Africa?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Andrew Duncan)Yes, Sir. Active contact is being maintained and reports are regularly obtained on the possibilities of expansion of our export trade to the Union.
§ Sir P. HannonIs my right hon. Friend giving every assistance in his power to trade commissioners in South Africa in order to develop our trade?
§ Sir A. DuncanEvery assistance is being given.
§ 25 and 26. Sir P. Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether constant contact is being maintained with the trade commissioner in Australia for the promotion of British export trade with the Commonwealth; and whether any proposals are under consideration for the enlargement of British trade with Australia;
(2) whether he is satisfied that every appropriate step is being taken to promote the continuity of British trade development in New Zealand; and whether any scheme is under consideration for increase of British exports to that Dominion?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe answer to the first part of these Questions is in the affirmative. All practicable steps appropriate for the purpose of maintaining our war effort are being taken to secure a continued development of our trade in these Dominions.
§ Sir P. HannonIs my right hon. Friend receiving a sympathetic response from Australia and New Zealand to this policy of the development of inter-imperial trade with these two great Dominions?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, Sir, we are satisfied.