§ 33. Mr. Parkerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that delays of twenty-four hours are frequently caused to rush shipments by the difficulty of getting necessary documents to the London Chamber of Commerce; and whether he will, in order to assist United Kingdom export trade, authorise the Dagenham Chamber of Commerce to certify certificates of origin and invoices for countries within the International Convention of 1923.
§ Mr. ErrollNo, Sir. I have looked into the circumstances of this case and it is not one in which we can depart from our general policy of designating chambers of commerce to issue certificates of origin only if they are affiliated to the Association of British Chambers of Commerce.
§ Mr. ParkerDoes the hon. Gentleman think it desirable that in respect of a place thirty-four miles from London, and therefore from the headquarters of the London Chamber of Commerce, the London Chamber should not take any steps to investigate before giving its certificate of origin to see whether the requirements are complied with? Is he aware that the Dagenham Chamber, which is outside the national organisation, does do that, and when certificates of origin are given is it not much more desirable that there should be an investigation to judge if the requirements are met?
§ Mr. ErrollThis is a difficult matter for the Board of Trade. The Department has to draw a line somewhere. I suggest that the best course would be for the Dagenham Chamber of Commerce to apply for membership of the A.B.C.C.