§ 3. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what schemes for training in the sale of British 203 goods and stimulation of British commercial influence, he has for commercial councillors and defence attaches about to be posted to or at High Commissions; and what instructions are given to high commissioners and their staffs to foster the sale of British good.
§ Mr. WhitlockI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to his Questions of 26th February, which applies equally to Commonwealth countries.—[Vol. 759, c. 224–5.]
The question of defence attaches, or advisers as they are known in Commonwealth countries, should be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.
§ Mr. TilneyBefore taking up such appointments, do counsellors see industrialists and merchants who are experts in their new areas? Has the syllabus of their training scheme been discussed with the C.B.I. and the export merchants concerned.
§ Mr. WhitlockYes, Sir. Officers appointed as counsellors-commercial have usually had commercial experience and, in these cases, are given detailed commercial briefings by the Board of Trade and other Government Departments. They also call on various exporting organisations. As for the training programme of those who have not had previous commercial experience this is conducted with the approval of the C.B.I. and other exporting and employing associations. We also have a panel of business men to advise us on the services which the diplomatic services can give to exporters.