Empire Trade

47.

Brigadier - General COCKERILL
asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to state when a Cabinet decision will be taken with reference to Grants-in-Aid to the Crown Colonies; whether the present Trade Facilities Act  will permit of loans to Dominion Governments for purchases made in this country; and, if so, at what rate?

The PRIME MINISTER
I hope to be able to announce a decision shortly. It is open to any Dominion and Colonial Government to ask for a guarantee under the existing Trade Facilities Act.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS
Is it contemplated that new legislation will be necessary to effect loans to the Overseas Dominions?

The PRIME MINISTER
I rather think so.