§ 21. Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department 764 the total numbers of the staff employed at the Overseas Trade Department in the year 1931, and the total amount of their salaries?
§ Mr. COLVILLEThe peak number in 1931 was 479. The number employed continuously throughout the year was 449, and the total amount paid in salaries was £147,501. This sum, however, includes £6,273 in relation to staff of the British Industries Fair, which amount is recoverable from Fair funds.
§ Colonel GRETTONCan my hon. Friend say whether the Overseas Trade Department employs any staff abroad; and are they included in this statement?
§ Mr. COLVILLENo, Sir. The figures I have given are for the staff employed in this country. There is an overseas staff, too, but I think that the question of my hon. Friend relates to staff employed by the Overseas Trade Department for this country.
§ Colonel GRETTONMay I put down another question?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI shall be very glad to give my hon. and gallant Friend the information.
§ Captain ALEXANDER RAMSAYIs my hon. Friend aware that the services rendered by the Overseas Trade Department are held in the very highest regard by industry and commerce in Europe?