§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department (1) whether his attention has been called to the pre-war growth of German commerce in Egypt; and whether, in 1217W view of the importance of the country to British trade, he will expedite the appointment of a trade commissioner; and (2) whether Egypt fulfils either of the possible conditions for delay in the appointment of a trade commissioner as suggested by the Committee appointed by the Foreign Office, namely, because suitable candidates are not forthcoming or, because of temporary confusion in its political and economic condition; and, if either is not the reason, will he inform the House what are the motives actuating official postponement of this appointment?
Sir A. STANLEYI am fully aware of the importance of making provision for the adequate representation of British trade interests in Egypt. The whole question is now under consideration.
§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state the names of the countries to which his Department has recommended the appointment of trade commissioners without up to the present securing the consent of the Treasury to the necessary credits?
Sir A. STANLEYNo such case as that indicated in the question of the hon. Member has up to the present time arisen. The present position of the question of establishing certain additional posts in the Trade Commissioner Service was explained to the hon. Member in the reply given to him on the 6th March.
§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the provision of £60,000, to include non-recurrent expenditure, included in the Estimates for 1918–19 (Class II., Vote 8 A, Sub-head C), embraces the entire amount now being applied to the appointment of Trade Commissioners; and, in that case, what is the exact proportion of the whole sum?
Sir A. STANLEYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The amount in question is for the Commercial AttachéService, and does not include any provision for Trade Commissioners. Separate provision of £36,576 is made, for the Trade Commissioner Service under Sub-head D of the same Vote.