§ 4. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in order to increase dollar earnings, he has considered organising in the North American Continent through the National Research and Development Corporation or in some other appropriate way an exhibition of British inventions and patents available for exploitation by acquisition of licences; and with what result.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI am prepared to consider any method by which we can increase our dollar earnings, and I have already sent this suggestion to the Dollar Export Board. But I am very doubtful whether an exhibition organised by the Government would be the best way to secure an increase in our dollar earnings from British inventions and patents. I have no doubt that British industry will take every opportunity to increase further our earnings from this source, and I am prepared to help in any way I can.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherHas the Dollar Export Board any powers to initiate suggestions, or is it only to consider suggestions put forward by the Minister?
§ Mr. WilsonThat is really another question, but the Board is able to take the initiative in suggestions both to the Government and to industry.