HC Deb 20 November 1967 vol 754 cc924-5
38. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied with the present level of his Department's commercial representation in South America.

Mr. Mulley

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Brown

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that, particularly in view of the events of the past 48 hours, it becomes more urgent than ever to get top-flight salesmen on our commercial staffs?

Mr. Mulley

We are making a special effort in Latin America on the trade side. Indeed, throughout the world, promotion of exports is a priority of diplomatic staff. However, I stress again, as I did earlier, that it is not the job of the commercial staff of embassies actually to sell the goods. The selling must be done by the manufacturers concerned.