BRITISH PRESTIGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1920, Page 11

BRITISH PRESTIGE.

OVERSEAS TRADE. London, Dee. 18. In the House yescterday, LieutenantColonel C. A. Murray drew attention to the question of overseas trade, which he described as one of the most important departments of the Government. It must be their object individually and collectively to develop our export trade. '•What are the present relations between the Department of Overseas Trade, the Foreign Office, and the Board of Trade? There is a strong feeling that the Foreign Office should be commercialised."

Sir H. Green wood (president, Department of Overseas Trade) said that in the main the recommendations of the Cave Committee on this subject had been adopted by the Cabinet and carried out. There were, however, certain issues outstanding with the Treasury. The commercial officers of the Consular Service were now under the Department of Overseas Trade, for which he was responsible, but they were subject to the control of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs. So far as overseas trade was concerned they were ready to perform their functions. Officers had already been chosen for former enemy countries, and the very moment peace was ratified they would leave this country for their posts abroad. All the Departments were working amicably. This country had consular, commercial, and diplomatic officers who were unequalled by those of any other country. Owing to the increase in the cost of living in certain countries and other circumstances, many of our consular officers had been compelled to give up their houses and live in two or three rooms. That was not good for the prestige of British trade. He would like to see them more adequately remunerated, but thought that was a matter for the House of Commons.

Sir A. Steel Maitland said the i )a y of these officers was a matter for the Government. The pay of the commercial councillors and secretaries deserved early consideration,