§ Captain BOWYERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in many quarters with the administration of the Commercial Relations and Treaties Department of the Board of Trade; that in connection with the increase in foreign tariffs such Department has declared its inability either to obtain information, take any action, or give any advice; that certain firms with interests abroad have complained that such Department affords little help to ambassadors and commercial secretaries abroad in their endeavour to protect British trade interests; that in consequence trade associations are required to send representatives to make the necessary inquiries and take action on the spot; and whether, under such circumstances, he will state the position of the Commercial Relations and Treaties Department, its system of co-operation and liaison with commercial secretaries abroad, and the intention of His Majesty's Government as to its continuation or not?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am not aware of any dissatisfaction with the Department or that it has been found 1901W unable to carry out what is one of its main functions, namely, to advise His Majesty's Government as to the policy to be pursued in regard to increases in foreign Customs duties, but the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that it is not possible for the Department to recommend representations to a foreign Government in every case where an alteration in a foreign tariff is made by that Government or is desired by British traders. The Department is kept, through the Foreign Office, in close touch with British "representatives abroad. I shall be happy to look into any specific complaints which may be brought to my notice in connection with the administration of the Department, but I may say at once that in my opinion it is highly efficient, and I feel no doubt that British trade has benefited greatly from the activities of the Department in this and other directions.