§ Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information as to the amount spent by the Governments of foreign countries, including France, in world propaganda on behalf of their trade interests; and how much Great Britain spends in similar circumstances?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEMost countries make some provision for expenditure to enhance national cultural prestige, but I regret that no particulars are available which would enable me to distinguish amounts specifically devoted to propaganda on behalf of trade interests of foreign countries. So far as this country is concerned, no sums are specifically voted for the purpose of trade propaganda, but my hon. Friend will be aware that the Department of Overseas Trade, through its overseas officers throughout the world, and by participation from time to time in exhibitions, seeks continually to foster an interest in United Kingdom products. The Department of Overseas Trade also provides a grant-in-aid to the Travel and Industrial Development Association, part of whose functions are directed to the same object.