HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 c92W
Mr. Gower

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will seek the assistance of advertisers, mercantile houses, sales agencies, commercial travellers and other organisations to initiate special and concentrated campaigns in the British Dominions overseas, in North and South American countries and elsewhere to stimulate the advertisement and sale abroad of United Kingdom goods, and to promote the expansion of our shipping, banking and insurance business overseas, including the setting up of new agencies abroad to supplement existing agencies; if he will consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to this end; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

While I fully recognise the important work done by the interests to which my hon. Friend refers and entirely endorse his desire to increase our overseas trade, the advertising and sale abroad of United Kingdom goods and services are the job of individual businesses. The Government give every practicable assistance to all such businesses both at home and through our officers overseas, and I do not think that there is any need for new Government agencies at present.