23. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department why, in view of the fact that the staff of the Export Credits Department is this year 45 instead of 43 last year, it is also necessary to make provision for further additional staff to the extent of £4,000?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKIt has been found necessary to make provision for increased staff owing to the new Export Credits Guarantee Scheme which has recently been brought into operation as a result of the recommendations of the Credit Insurance Committee. Much interest is being taken in this scheme by traders, with the result that the work of the Department has considerably increased, and shows signs of increasing still further. The whole cost of the staff of the Export Credits Department, including the increased provision referred to, is recovered from premia charged on guarantees.
§ Mr. RAMSDENCan my hon. Friend give some idea of the increase that has taken place in the export credits which have been granted?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI should have to have notice of that question.