68. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has considered the co operative selling plan in connection with post-war export trade which has been sent to him; and whether he will make a statement?
§ Mr. Harcourt Johnstone (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The Com- 2071 mittee under my Chairmanship is examining all problems likely to affect our export trade after the war. Attention has been given to methods of joint marketing on the lines referred to by my hon. Friend. From discussions that have already taken place between my Department and export industries there is evidence that many industries propose to examine, in connection with their post-war plans, whether this form of co-operative selling can, with advantage, either be adopted or extended.
Dr. ThomasWill my hon. Friend give some interim report on the work of his Department, of which we hear so little and upon which so much depends?
§ Mr. JohnstoneA report on the prospects of post-war export trade will in due course be rendered by my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General.