§ Sir G. Mitchesonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the grave situation of merchants owing to the fact that 463W many of the Departments of State are now performing the functions of merchants; and whether he will take steps to preserve the merchants' organisation in view of its vital importance to the export trade?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware that some apprehensions have been expressed in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend. I feel sure that those of my colleagues who are concerned fully appreciate the important functions normally performed by merchants, and will be careful to avoid encroachment on those functions beyond what is necessitated by the exceptional conditions prevailing to-day.