§ 26. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether in view of the recommendations from time to time made by trade commissioners as to the possibility of improving trade in different parts of the 23 Empire, he can state what steps are taken to bring to the notice of those branches of industry specially affected the advice which may be given by the commissioners; and whether he will instruct these commissioners to record in all future Reports any improvements which have been made in respect of the shortcomings to which they have called attention?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHI have been asked to reply. The Department employs various methods for bringing to the notice of the commercial interests concerned the information and advice which is transmitted by overseas officers. If confidential it is issued by letter to selected recipients. If suitable for public circulation it may be communicated to suitable Press organs or published in volume form. Since under standing instructions officers report to the Department in regard to the effect of any action initiated by them, I hardly think that the new instructions suggested by the hon. Member are necessary.