§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the growing opinion in the United States that British manufacturers will be unable to maintain the continuity of British export trade. and to the fact that United States manufacturers are receiving inquiries from various countries intimating that the British source of supply cannot be maintained and encouraging American contact with their markets; and whether steps are being taken wherever possible to remove impressions so prejudicial to overseas trade?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonIn the early days of the war some overseas buyers may have had doubts regarding our ability to supply all of their requirements, and it was to be expected that the enemy and perhaps other competitors should have lost no opportunity of encouraging and intensifying such doubts. His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the necessity of dispelling these fears, and my right hon.
— Work placed in Expenditure England. Scotland. England. Scotland. Per cent. Per cent. £ £ (1) Posters relating to the war 99.6 .4 7,193 30 (2) Ration books 100 — 45,468 — (3) Home Defence leaflets 100 — 13,066 — (4) National Registration forms and Identity cards. 83 17 5,336 912 In regard to (1) there were 46 separate items put to tender, for 18 of which Scottish firms were invited to compete but for six of which only quotations were received.
In regard to (2) there were 15 items for seven of which Scottish firms were invited but no quotations were received.
Item (3) comprised 36 items of which Scottish firms were invited to tender for
1322WFriend the President of the Board of Trade and myself have taken every opportunity of reiterating this country's determination that export trade shall be continued at the highest possible level.