HC Deb 06 June 1944 vol 400 c1202
51. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the functions at present attaching to the Department of Overseas Trade; in what respect the duties of the Department are detached from the day to day activities of the Board of Trade; and if he regards the retention of the Department as essential to the promotion of the interests of British export trade.

Mr. Attlee

The functions now attaching to the Department of Overseas Trade were stated by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mr. Gledhill) on 23rd February, 1943. The Department, of course, works in close daily touch with the Board of Trade, and will have an important part to play in the development of our export trade after the war.

Sir P. Hannon

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of putting a little vitality into the Department of Overseas Trade?