§ 24. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the measures adopted by the Government have resulted in any improvement in export trade; and what further measures are contemplated.
§ Mr. J. RodgersIt is too soon for results to be reflected in the Trade Returns but there has been a substantial increase in the volume of inquiries at the Board of Trade from firms desirous of exporting. Measures announced in recent weeks are improvements in the facilities offered by E.C.G.D., and the formation of the Export Council for Europe.
We continue to keep this whole matter under review.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the Minister's answer mean that the Government's efforts have so far failed? It is all very well to talk about inquiries and about the volume of inquiries increasing, but the volume of exports is not increasing. Is not that the vital consideration and would it not be desirable on the part of the Government, apart from exhortations, appeals and the like to exporters, to stimulate export trades as far as they can by removing some of the restrictions, such as the credit squeeze, which have an indirect bearing on the export trade?
§ Mr. RodgersNaturally we are all anxious to do what we can to boost our exports, which is vitally necessary, and we are taking such steps as we can to stimulate manufacturers to get on with this vital job of exporting.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not this stimulating having no effect, no tangible results? Is it not desirable now to make a new approach, perhaps with the removal of some of the restrictions which have an indirect effect on our exports? Surely, if one pushes up the internal trade of the country it has some effect on the export trade?
§ Mr. RodgersI should remind the right hon. Gentleman that there has been some recovery in August and September on the March and April level, but it is much too early to say whether this represents the resumption of a rise.