§ 43. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department by how many officers of the principal assistant secretary, assistant secretary or equivalent grades, the staff of his Department has been increased since the 20th instant, when there were five such officers; when the additions were made; what duties are allocated to the additional officers in these grades; how those duties were previously provided for; and whether the addition will enable a deputy to be provided, without the payment of an allowance, for the director of the overseas division, when the latter is absent abroad.
§ Mr. Harcourt Johnstone (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The staff of the Department was increased on 24th April by one such officer. He is employed on the preparation of the reports on markets to which I referred yesterday in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton. He will not be available for the duties referred to in the last part of the Question.