§ Major BREESEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, notwithstanding the issue of general licences under the trading with the enemy legislation authorising, with certain reservations, the resumption of trade with Ger- 646W many and German-Austria, he has reason to believe that British firms are reluctant to renew commercial intercourse with the late enemies of this country; and whether, seeing that it is desirable in the interest of British trade and of the financial credit of this country that British firms who are in a position to do so should exert themselves to the utmost to sell goods to these countries, his Department will issue a general statement on this subject for the guidance of British firms?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI think it quite possible that many British firms may feel reluctant to resume relations with our late enemies, but I am not yet able to make any announcement on the subject.