§ Mr. FELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he was watching the revival in trade which is taking place in Russia and Siberia, and the opportunities that may be presented to British traders to secure a portion of this trade; if he has had any Commissioners to make reports to him on the subject; and if he proposes to take any steps to supply 1514 information to merchants of the opportunities that may be offered of increased trade?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)I am well aware of the expansion that has taken place in the foreign trade of Russia in recent years. Information with regard to trade possibilities in Russia is constantly received both through His Majesty's Commercial Attaché and His Majesty's Consular Officers, and is either published in the "Board of Trade Journal" or communicated to Chambers of Commerce and interested firms. I find that during the past financial year 278 reports with regard to Russian trade were published in the "Board of Trade Journal." His Majesty's Commercial Attaché (who in 1903 carried out for the Board of Trade a special commercial inquiry in Siberia) periodically visits the principal Chambers of Commerce in this country with a view to affording information and assistance to British merchants engaged in or contemplating trade with Russia.
§ Mr. FELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that immense possibilities are opened up for trade in Russia and Siberia, and may I ask if his Department is paying the very closest attention to that fact in order that greater facilities may be given to our trade
§ Mr. BUXTONI think the answer which I have given shows that we are giving very careful attention to the matter.