MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Statistical Abstract for the United Kingdom from 1887 to 1901, including figures to 31st March, 1902, was distributed to Members on 10th October, 1902; and can he make arrangements whereby these accounts may henceforth be distributed at a less interval than six months after the close of the period which they embrace.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)The distribution of the United Kingdom Abstract was to some extent delayed this year owing to special circumstances connected with the revision of some of the financial Tables—circumstances which it is hoped will not recur. Every effort is made and shall be made t o issue the Abstract as early as possible.