asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state the nature of the reorganisation at the headquarters of his Department and the number of new headquarter appointments, with the approximate additional cost, consequent upon the creation of eight new posts in the commercial, diplomatic and trade commissioner services?

The chief features in the reorganisation at the headquarters of the Department of Overseas Trade are:

(1) The creation of a special section to deal with trade investigations at home and overseas;

(2) the appointment of a Deputy Comptroller-General, together with an additional director, making four directors instead of three, and proportionate increases in each other grade in the Department.

The approximate increased cost of strengthening the headquarters staff is estimated at £15,000 for the first year.

Is the hon. Gentleman making any special efforts to open up this marvellous Russian trade that he used to talk about?

Will a Supplementary Estimate be necessary this year, or will the first charge fall on the next financial year?

I think the first charge will fall on the next financial year.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what are the duties of the special commissioner; and whether the appointment has yet been made?

Mr. Beale, at one time His Majesty's trade commissioner in Canada, and later in New Zealand—at present general manager of the Travel Association of Great Britain and Ireland—has been appointed special commissioner for trade investigations overseas, and his appointment will take effect from the beginning of April. Mr. Beale will, in collaboration with overseas officers, undertake special investigations in markets overseas where British trade has declined, or where investigations may lead to increased export trade.