§ 13. Mr. ARNOLDasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of the staff of the Board on 31st May, 1919, as com pared with the number on the date of the Armistice, 11th November, 1918?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)The number of the staff of the Board of Trade on the 31st May, 1919, was 5,701, and on the 11th November, 1918, 5,895. At the outbreak of war it was 6,096. I may, however, inform the hon. Gentleman that these figures are not comparable in any way, owing to the changes which have taken place in the work and responsibilities of the Department.