Captain TERRELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that unofficial reports of the disastrous effect on British export trade of the constant labour troubles are coming into this country; whether he has received any such reports; if so, of what nature; and whether he can arrange for the House to be reliably informed on all matters of this importance?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIndications of the injurious influence of industrial disturbances at home upon the demand for British goods in other countries are to be found in reports, both official and unofficial, on market conditions abroad. These reports show that commercial confidence is affected by the fear of future unsettlement, since purchasers naturally give preference, other things being equal, to a market where a stable outlook is assured. Full publicity is given by the Department of Overseas Trade to all important information bearing on the commercial situation.