§ 66. Mr. Quintin Hoggasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps he has taken and what con- 958 sultations he has held with a view to promoting British electrical exports after the war.
§ Mr. Harcourt Johnstone (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)My Department maintains constant touch with the British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers Association as well as with a number of leading individual manufacturers for export. Contacts with the industry make it clear that the electrical industry are planning all possible efforts to resume and expand their export trade as soon as war conditions permit.
§ Mr. HoggIs my right hon. Friend aware that the British electrical industry is one which was able to compete in the world market immediately before the war; and will he therefore pay particular attention to the development of this industry in the export world after the war?
§ Mr. JohnstoneYes, I have stated in this House that the hopes of the Board of Trade and my Department rest very largely upon the development of the electrical industry, which is one of the most promising we have in the country. We are taking all steps to maintain the closest possible contact with them.