§ Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will consider the advisability of establishing Consuls in the important towns of India to assist British manufacturers at home in the same way as is done in foreign countries?
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§ Mr. W. R. SMITHThe Consular system only extends to foreign countries; in Empire countries the commercial duties discharged by Consular officers in foreign countries are undertaken by Trade Commissioners. There are three Trade Commissioners stationed in India—two at Calcutta and one at, Bombay, and this number with their staffs is considered sufficient, having regard to all the circumstances.