asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the undertaking given by his predecessor on the 3rd July of this year, and the demand from both merchants and shipowners, be will take an early opportunity of bringing in legislation with regard to bills of lading?

I will consider very carefully the question to which my hon. Friend refers, but it is not at this stage possible to make any definite statement as to the introduction of legislation.

Is it not the case that an agreement has been come to with the Chamber of Shipping and the Federation of Traders' Organisations, and that there is no reason why there should be any delay in introducing legislation on this subject?

I think the hon. Member knows what the position was at the end of last Session. I quite agree that there is a large measure of agreement, but since then there has been the International Maritime Convention, followed by a meeting of the Commission at The Hague. I am considering the effect of these, and am hoping to take up the matter very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Merchandise Marks Bill, which received a Second Reading in the last Session of the previous Parliament, will be re-introduced in the present Session?

It is not proposed to introduce Merchandise Marks legislation before Christmas.

Is not this Bill looked forward to by the trading community in the country with the greatest possible interest, and was not an assurance given that the Bill would be introduced in the Autumn Session?

As the hon. Member knows, this Session has assembled for a very particular purpose, and I think it is the general wish of the House that it should be got through as rapidly as possible.

Is it proposed to introduce this Bill next Session?

I do not think I can make a statement on that at present. The Cabinet has only just assembled, and all future legislation will have to be considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this Bill is looked upon with alarm by other sections of the trading community?

I shall take into account all relevant considerations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to lay before Parliament any plan for increasing credit facilities, or otherwise encouraging export trade?

The proposals foreshadowed in His Majesty's Gracious Speech will be laid before the Home without delay. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it is not practicable for me to anticipate the full statement which will be made on these proposals, but I can assure him that the interests of the export trade will engage the unremitting attention of the Government.