§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the date on which the Report on the foreign trade of China for the year 1907, No. 41152, Annual Series, which has just been published was despatched from Peking; the date on which it was received at the Foreign Office; and the date on which it was delivered to the printer.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe Report on the foreign trade of China for the year 1907 was despatched from Peking on 10th July last, was received by the Department on 5th, August, and finally delivered to the printer, after revision, on 17th October. The interval between the date of receipt of the Report and delivery to the printer was due to the fact that the Report, which is a very elaborate one, arrived with a considerable number of others at a time when, owing to the short interval between the sessions of Parliament, the staff at the Board of Trade, which examines the Reports in conjunction with the Foreign Office, was unusually weakened by the absence of officials on annual leave. I might add that the arrangements in regard to the editing of these Reports are still in an experimental stage, and steps are being taken in conjunction with the Board of Trade as a result of the experience gained, to expedite publication in future.