asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that no facilities are given to British exporters to the markets of the Union of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, in both of which markets are being captured by other countries; and if he will provide these.

Our exports to South Africa and Southern Rhodesia have fallen, owing to war conditions, but by a smaller percentage than our total export trade. I hope to be able to make a statement on export trade in the course of the Debate to-morrow.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that unless action is taken quickly these markets will be lost to us permanently?

Is there any truth in the allegation that, at the instance of the Department of Overseas Trade, contracts offered to this country are from time to time passed to the United States?

No, Sir, I do not think there is any ground for such a statement.