§ 16. Mr. Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that our exports to Canada over the last three years have been roughly half the value of our imports; what steps he is taking to stimulate our sales to Canada; and if he is satisfied that he has made it clear to the Canadian Government that the continuity of trade at its present level must depend upon an effort on their part to encourage British imports by all means at their disposal.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftYes, Sir. The principal obstacle to exports in recent months has been a condition of inflation in the home market, and a variety of steps have now been taken, as the House knows, to remedy the situation. I can say with confidence that the Canadian Government recognise the importance to Canada of the United Kingdom's efforts to increase its dollar exports.