HC Deb 19 February 1953 vol 511 cc165-7W
114. Mr. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has seen the members of the United Kingdom Mission to Venezuela, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Mexico since their

comparable figures for each year since 1945.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The information requested by the hon. Member is given in the following table. I have included the actual employment provided by the factories, since the employers' estimates of potential employment have, in many cases, not yet been achieved.

return to this country; and when he expects to receive the Mission's report.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Yes. I expect to receive the Mission's report shortly. The Mission have meanwhile told me of their broad conclusions, which I know the House will be interested to hear. Since their return, the Mission have had consultations with a large number of trade associations about the opportunities which are open to United Kingdom exporters and how best they can take full advantage of them.

The Mission are convinced, from the warmth of their reception everywhere, the replies to their inquiries (which covered a very wide range), and the many contacts which they made, that there is great good will towards the United Kingdom in these dollar account countries in the Caribbean, and a genuine interest in, and willingness to buy, our goods. The Mission see no reason, if only sufficient effort is made by all concerned. why our exports should not win an increased and enduring share in the trade of these countries.

The Mission have been impressed particularly by the excellent openings for the United Kingdom engineering industry which are being created by the rapid large-scale development of natural resources and the construction of public works in these countries. They consider that an important step would he for some of our consulting engineers to establish themselves in these countries and especially in Venezuela and Colombia. The Mission also believe that exports of consumer goods including general merchandise, textiles and motor vehicles, can be increased if firm prices are quoted and prices are kept competitive and if closer personal attention is given to these markets in the form of regular visits to study the situation at first hand and to appoint more representatives and active agents on the spot.

The Mission have also drawn attention to the fact that in certain cases it may be to our advantage, given the pressure to expand domestic production, for United Kingdom concerns to participate in the local manufacture of goods, and so to establish useful and profitable assets in the countries concerned.

I should like to take this opportunity to express the Government's appreciation of the excellent work of Brigadier Crosland and his colleagues on the Mission and the admirable service which they have rendered to our export interests. They have submitted most valuable information and recommendations and their report will deserve the most careful study both by the Government and by industry.