TRADE MISSION

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 141, 11 December 1935, Page 16

TRADE MISSION

PLANS IN MANCHESTER

The directors of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce decided some time ago to send a mission to Australia in January to inquire into the possibilities of increasing the trade between that country and the United Kingdom, says the . "Manchester Guardian." The mission will consist of Sir Ernest Thompson, an expresident of the chamber, and Mr. H. C. N. Ellis, the chamber's special commissioner. When the appointment was made Sir Ernest explained that their object would be to promote "a two-way trade—one that will be as helpful to Australia in the Lancashire' market as to Lancashire in the Australian market."

This point is emphasised in a letter which Mr. W. E. Clucas, president of the chamber, has sent to members of the chamber and to presidents of other chambers of commerce in Lancashire for distribution to their members, in order that they also may be invited to send in information, suggestions, and requests. The letter states:

The object of the chamber in sending the mission is to make an investigation through the medium of personal contacts into the possibilities of further increasing trade in both directions with Australia. The mission will be prepared to make representations to national and public authorities in Australia, to discuss mutual problems with representative , trading bodies there, and to explore particular prpb-

lems with individual Australian business men.

It will generally ventile the Lancashire point of view, and collect the fullect information as to the Australian standpoint on all matters of common interest with a view to its dissemination here on the return of the delegates to this country. The chamber is anxious to receive from its members and other firms throughout Lancashire the fullest information in writing as to matters which the mission could usefully investigate. Information is equally desired from importers and exporters, and may cover any point affecting business prospects such as tariffs, markets, selling methods, representation, packing and shipping problems, and so forth. Where doubts or difficulties have arisen the mission will be glad to receive requests to investigate them on the spot. '

In cases where the subject-matter could best be handled by personal interviews,, these will be arranged by the special commissioner, Mr. Ellis. Sir Ernest Thompson will attend conferences with members where necessary. •"•■...

The fullest benefit can only arise from the mission if there is active and energetic co-operation from all potentially interested firms; . and I appeal urgently to members of the chamber and others to contribute practical suggestions with, the least possible delay. In this connection I wish to emphasise particularly that, the scope of the mission embraces all trades in both directions, arid even if firms have no special point which they desire the mission to investigate they, can add to its effectiveness by acquainting it with the nature of their \.trade and their viewpoint as regards the future prospects.