§ 3 and 4. Mr. Teelingasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps he is taking to improve the volume of our export trade to the Philippines;
(2) what steps he is taking to improve our trade with Formosa.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe Board of Trade keeps in touch with trade developments and opportunities in the Philippines and Formosa, and provides a regular service of commercial intelligence in respect of both markets.
§ Mr. TeelingAs our export trade with the Philippines was £500,000 a year just before the war, £3 million in 1954, and £6 million in 1956, does not my right hon. Friend think that it is high time we did something more to become more popular in the Philippines? For instance, can be tell us why no Philippine journalists are ever asked to this country, no Philippine students are brought here by the British Council, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union has not asked any Philippine Parliamentary people to come here? Does he not really think it is high time that we did something more for that particular area—and for Formosa, because both countries are very interested in trading with us?
§ Sir D. EcclesMy hon. Friend has raised many considerations outside the responsibility of the Board of Trade, but I undertake to look into them all with my right hon. Friends.