§ Sir R. CLOUGHasked the Prime Minister whether, before he takes any action with respect to the future of the Department of Overseas Trade, he will consult the big commercial organisations of the country to ascertain their views as to the merits or otherwise of the Department?
§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Prime Minister (1) whether, before the Department of Overseas Trade is more or less abandoned, as suggested by the Geddes Report, he will make inquiries as to the increased extent to which assistance is now being given by the German Government to German trade and convince himself that if this step be taken by the British Government it will not prejudicially affect British trade in what is proving to be very acute competition;
(2) whether, before he modifies by drastic reduction the activities of the Department of Overseas Trade, he will inquire as to its value from the various authorities capable of expressing such an opinion, especially in the industrial districts of Yorkshire?
§ Sir R. HORNEMy hon. Friends may rest assured that before reaching a decision on this matter the Government will take into account the views of commercial and industrial organisations throughout the country as well as all other relevant considerations.