HC Deb 05 December 1945 vol 416 cc2300-1
13. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what postwar special facilities are being provided to promote mutual export trade between Britain and the Colonies; and if the strong financial position of Colonies which have a small public debt and a revenue sufficient to meet unavoidable expenditure, is being used to equip them on credit with capital goods and services to increase their wealth and standard of living, while providing the revenue needed to pay for loans.

Mr. George Hall

No special facilities are given for exports between the United Kingdom and the Colonies, but the Colonies as United Kingdom markets of traditional importance will benefit from general measures designed to increase the export trade in this country as a whole. The possibilities of financing development of the type referred to in the second part of the Question by means of loans raised by Colonial Governments is an aspect of general colonial development policy which is always kept in view.

Earl Winterton

In view of the general interest in this question, would the Minister consider publishing a White Paper some time next year, or otherwise making easily available to Members statistics of the export trade between the Colonies and this country?

Mr. Hall

Yes, Sir, I will.

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