§ SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increase of work thrown recently upon the staff of the statistical branch of his Department, due to an unusual demand, by Questions in the House and otherwise, for information concerning trade and commerce, he anticipates that the strain on that branch is likely to continue; and, if so, what steps, if any, it is proposed to take to relieve it.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) The strain imposed upon the Board of Trade had been, and continues to be, very heavy. Quite apart from the pressure involved in answering Questions and making Returns relating to fiscal matters the normal work of the commercial Department has largely increased. Much of the work will no doubt be permanent, and I am taking steps to enlarge the staff of the Department.