§ Mr. H. KERRasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many trade commissioners are now maintained by His Majesty's Government; and to what extent the market reports which they make are brought to the knowledge of British manufacturers unless specifically asked for by the latter?
§ Mr. COLVILLENineteen trade commissioners are maintained by His Majesty's Government at 17 posts within the Empire. Reports on market conditions in their respective areas prepared by the trade commissioners are communicated automatically to United Kingdom firms who subscribe to the special register maintained by the Department of Overseas Trade, and a notification of the existence of such reports is sent to chambers of commerce, trade associations and the trade press. The interested United Kingdom firms who do not subscribe to the special register receive copies on application.