§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his reply of 16 December 1987,Official Report, column 540, how many staff are employed by the overseas trade divisions to examine and advise on hidden trade barriers; how many cases they have investigated in the last 12 months; and what has been the result of these investigations.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkIn my Department's overseas trade divisions some 57 staff years were spent dealing with trade712W relations, including examining and giving advice on barriers to United Kingdom exports, during 1987. A considerable number of cases were the subject of representations to overseas Governments either bilaterally or through the European Commission, who have competence for external trade issues, and progress has been made in some areas.