§ 88. Sir P. Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any special measures are in process for the extension of the markets for British goods in Colombia and Venezuela; if the commercial staffs attached to the Embassies are adequate and if vigorous publicity is being maintained.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsBoth Colombia and Venezuela are among the markets to which the attention of exporters has been energetically drawn by His Majesty's Government on many occasions, and exporters are given the fullest practical assistance in developing their trade with these countries. Publicity is being maintained by the Board of Trade and by the Information Offices of the Embassies in the two countries, whose commercial staffs are adequate. The Federation of British Industries have appointed a full-time representative in Venezuela. Exports to Venezuela have increased from £1,446,000 in 1938 to £13,812,000 in 1948 and great credit is due to exporters for this achievement. In the case of Colombia, whose capacity to absorb United Kingdom goods is much more limited, the corresponding figures are £1,761,000 and £4,361,000.