§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any effort has been made, or will be made, by the Department to remedy the bad transport conditions existing between this country and Mexico, chiefly in the service with the port of Vera Cruz; and whether any British shipping companies have been approached in the matter?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have not received any specific complaints as to difficulties of transport between the United Kingdom and Mexico; but I am aware that labour conditions and shortage of transport have created difficulties in the discharge of cargoes, and have added to the difficulty of maintaining regular sailings. If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any particular cases, I will go into the matter with the shipping companies.
§ Mr. SAMUELfurther asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that German commercial travellers in Mexico outnumber British agents in that country by five to one; that the efforts of British firms who are desirous of selling in Mexican markets are hampered by the non-recognition by Britain of the 964W Mexican Government; and that British goods possess the highest reputation in Mexico; whether any steps have been taken, or are contemplated by his Department, to bring the Mexican market before the eyes of British traders; and whether it is, or will be in the near future, possible to have a trade agreement, or agreements, with Mexico whereby British commerce may benefit?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am aware that German commercial travellers are active in Mexico. British goods have a high reputation in Mexico, and the Department of Overseas Trade takes every opportunity which may occur to bring to the attention of traders any openings in the Mexican market of which the Department receives information. There is already a commercial Treaty in existence between Mexico and this country, under which this country is entitled to "most favoured nation" rights. As regards the question of recognition of the Mexican Government, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which has been given to day by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to a question of the same subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Cumberland North (Major C. Lowther).
§ Mr. A. SHORTasked, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether there is a demand in Mexico for such British manufactured goods as agricultural machinery and implements, general mining machinery, heavy chemicals, brass and iron bedsteads, china and glassware, tinplate, woollen, linen, and flannel goods, boots and shoes, soaps, and patent medicines; if so, whether British traders are taking advantage of such demand; whether the Overseas Trade Department have taken any steps to assist in the development of British trade with Mexico: and, if so, what steps?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThere is a good demand in Mexico for the classes of manufactures indicated. Local production practically satisfies the demand for some of them; but British trade with Mexico has been maintained. The value of British exports to Mexico in 1921 was £4,721,000 as compared with nearly £2,500,000 in 1913, which, after allowance has been made for the general increase 965W in prices, indicates that there has been no great falling off in the volume of exports to that country since before the War. The Department of Overseas Trade is constantly furnishing information in regard to the market possibilities in Mexico for various British products.