asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that our post-war power to compete in the export markets depends upon our cost of production; and is he arranging, well in advance, with trade union leaders that we shall not be handicapped by the high costs of our goods which will create post-war unemployment; (2) whether he will discuss with trade union leaders means by which to avoid our costs of production hampering post-war competitive export trade and injuring employment, as was the case, owing to our merchandise being too dear to compete in the export markets, for several years after the Great War?

I appreciate the importance of maintaining at all times the competitive power of British industry in overseas markets. This is not being overlooked in the discussions that are now taking place in the National Joint Advisory Council, which is presided over by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government's export trade proposals for consideration will include differential rates of exchange for markets outside the sterling area; and so devised as to increase the cost of German imports which Germany seeks to obtain from those foreign markets, while cheapening, if necessary, also by subsidy, the cost of British goods offered for sale in those same foreign markets?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham (Mr. Kerr) on 13th February.

Can the Minister say whether the Export Council are giving consideration to this question?

The Export Council are giving consideration to this question.