§ Mr. GOLDMANasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that among the confidential information recently circulated to traders by the Board of Trade was a statement that tenders had been locally called for in South Africa for certain fencing material, and 575W that full information relating to the same could be obtained from the High Commissioner; and that the same confidential document stated that Sir Richard Solomon had not yet received information on the subject; and whether he can take steps to ensure that in future the same document shall not contain statements contradictory of one another?
§ Mr. SYDNEY BUXTONThe following is the circular referred to:—
Commercial Intelligence Branch, Board of Trade, 73, Basinghall Street, London, E.C., 20th January, 1911.
Tenders for Fencing Material for South Africa.
Gentlemen,—I beg to state for your information, but not for publication, that His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Africa (Mr. R. Sothern Holland) telegraphs:—
"Tenders are being advertised for a large quantity of fencing material for Department of Agriculture, tenders are due on 22nd February, High Commissioners can give you all information."
I am informed by the High Commissioner for the Union of South Africa (72, Victoria Street, London, S. W.) that he has not yet received information regarding this competition, but that particulars may possibly be received by the next mail (on Monday next).—I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant,
(Signed)
Thos. Worthington.