HC Deb 16 June 1955 vol 542 cc741-2
23. Mr. de Freitas

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will take to encourage increased exports, especially of engineering products, to Canada.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Existing policies are designed to give the fullest assistance to our export trade to Canada. My Department keeps in close touch with exporters and provides a full service of commercial intelligence. The Dollar Exports Council both in this country and in Canada will continue to do everything possible to reinforce our efforts. At the same time the Government are maintaining the conditions of a healthy internal economy which is basic for an active export trade all over the world.

Mr. de Freitas

In spite of all that, why does our trade commission in Canada remain so very small, located chiefly in the older centres of Canada? Are not the new Canadian markets of such great importance that we should adapt ourselves and attempt to get the trade?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Certainly, Sir. If the hon. Gentleman has any suggestions about that, I should be happy to look into them, as I should be to look into suggestions from other hon. Members.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are very big iron-ore developments in Labrador and Hudson's Bay, that that iron ore is nearer Glasgow than the American steel works, and that it is very important that steps should be taken by the Goverinment to link up the export question raised by my hon. Friend with the import of that high-grade quality iron in order to keep the iron industry of this country going?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I certainly agree with that. Anything that can be done, and much has been done, on both sides of the Atlantic to foster trade both ways, between Canada and ourselves, is obviously healthy for the export trade of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. Gentleman doing anything to suggest to manufacturers that they should jump the queue with regard to deliveries? Deliveries in Canada are becoming even more important than they ever were because American deliveries are getting better. It is impossible to increase the export of capital goods to Canada unless we jump the queue at this end.

Mr. Thorneycroft

No one will realise more than the right hon. Gentleman himself that the question of priorities is a matter in the last resort for industrialists to decide for themselves.

Mr. de Freitas

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.