§ 18. Mr. Grimondasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to help the export of hand-made woollen products from the Highlands.
§ Mr. MackesonI am very ready to consider any practicable suggestions from the industry on ways in which the Board of Trade can help it in its efforts to increase its overseas sales. The Board's regional representatives in Scotland ensure that firms are informed of the ordinary help to exporters which the Department offers, and details of particular openings for trade, as reported from time to time by overseas posts, are brought to the notice of exporters who are likely to be interested.
§ Mr. GrimondWhile I welcome what is done by the Department at present, would the Minister agree that, although it is very important to help these areas where unemployment is high, it is a rather difficult matter to do it in the case of so many small firms? Will the hon. Gentleman say whether help can be given with finance and also in bringing these goods to the notice of Coronation visitors?
§ Mr. MackesonI am only too anxious to do anything I can to help the hon. Member. We are arranging, as soon as the better weather arrives, for one of our regional officers to get round to these remote places, particularly those to which the hon. Member has referred in his discussions with me.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs not my hon. Friend a little surprised that the chief exponent of laisser faire wants the Government to sell his constituents' goods?