§ 52. Mr. Gowerasked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for visits abroad by a Welsh trade delegation on the lines of the Canadian trade delegation which came to Wales recently; and what assistance his Department will give to any such Welsh trade delegation' which may be arranged by private initiative.
§ Sir D. EcclesI would welcome any initiative taken by Welsh industry for this purpose. The services of my Department are always available to any industries in the United Kingdom which wish to organise such a mission overseas.
§ Mr. GowerHas my right hon. Friend noted that the leader of the Canadian delegation to this country has said that 568 the delegation was very much impressed by the industry and trade of South Wales? Is he also aware that a desire has been expressed by people in South Wales that there should be a return visit? Can he say whether his Department will give any financial assistance?
§ Sir D. EcclesI should have to see the proposition, but I think that it would have to be organised by industry.
§ 53. Mr. Gowerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the recent visit to Wales of a Canadian trade delegation, and his estimate of the prospects of increasing Canadian-Welsh trade.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe Canadian Trade Mission visited South Wales during their tour. They were much impressed with what they saw and I am hopeful that the contacts which they made with businessmen in Wales will lead to an expansion of exports to Canada.
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is another question, but a great deal of follow-up is being done in Canada.