asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent speech of the Chilian Ambassador about the need for closer commercial relations between Chile and this country; and what immediate steps does he propose to take to facilitate this end, seeing that all the best opportunities will be lost if assistance to exporters is delayed till after the war?

I have seen a report of this speech. I fully share His Excellency's desire that commercial relations between Chile and this country shall be maintained and strengthened, and I shall continue to do everything possible to this end.

Do the Government realise the absolute need of stimulating exports to Chile immediately, now? It is most vital.

No, Sir, we cannot stimulate exports now unless they serve the war effort.

Will the Government prepare a place for them after the war?