§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many commercial attachés have been posted overseas in the years from 1964; and of these how many visited Scotland on duty tours of Scottish exporters prior to being posted.
§ Mr. Mulley260 between 1st January, 1964, and 31st December, 1967.
Before posting overseas commercial officers' visits to British firms are broadly designed to familiarise them with the mechanics of exporting and to brief them on particular problems affecting their areas. Eleven officers visited firms in Scotland during the period. During home leave when the officers are in a better position to assess and advise on market prospects for the goods and services of particular firms, they undertake tours of the industrial areas most directly concerned with exports to the countries in which they are serving. In the years 1964–67 126 commercial officers visited Scotland for this purpose.