§ 37. Mr. John E. Haireasked the President of the Board of Trade what success has met his efforts to market Trident or other furniture in the dollar area.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsThere has been no intention that the Government should themselves market the composite furniture developed by the Board of Trade, which I take to be what my hon. Friend refers to as "Trident" furniture, or any other furniture. As regards the composite furniture, the Board of Trade invited furniture manufacturers and others to consider the opportunities presented of developing and exploiting its export possibilities. A number of inquiries were received, but none of them has come to fruition; and we have asked the National Research Development Corporation to take over the work involved in handling any further development and exploitation.
§ Mr. HaireCan my hon. Friend say how much money was spent by his Department in developing this furniture, and will he say what steps were taken by his Department following the most successful exhibition of Trident furniture in the United States a year ago, and what steps have been taken since devaluation?
§ Mr. EdwardsI should want notice of that question.