§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the President of the Board of Trade how many Trade Commissioners and Correspondents have been appointed; what functions are performed by them; where they are situated, distinguishing between the Dominions and self-governing Colonies and other parts; is there evidence that their appointments have been beneficial to British trade; and is it intended to extend the system?
Mr. BUXTONA classified list of His Majesty's Trade Commissioners and of the Trade Correspondents of the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade is given on pages 13–14 of the Report of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence (Cd. 6779), and a short account of their functions will be found on pages 6–8 of the same publication, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Judging from the communications which have been received from a large number of Chambers of Commerce and individual firms in the United Kingdom, and from the number of inquiries addressed to the Trade Commissioners and Correspondents, I have every reason to believe that the organisation is proving of substantial benefit to British trade. I shall always be glad to consider any suggestions which may be put forward for the improvement of the system, and, if necessary, to take the opinion of the Commercial Intelligence Committee upon them.