asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps are being taken to make known the conclusions arrived at and the information obtained by the Development of Overseas Trade Council to the manufacturers and trading community?

The decisions of the Development Council are communicated to the public either by means of statements on the Floor of the House or through the Press. On the return of trade missions initiated by the Council, reports will be published as soon as possible. Arrangements are also being made for the communication to the manufacturers and traders concerned of the information collected. For example, it has been arranged that Lord Kirkley and his colleagues on the Government Trade Mission to South Africa which has just returned, shall address meetings of business men in Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle, and shall also meet several of the leading trade associations.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the valuable information collected by the Council and the conclusions to which they arrive are put at the disposal of everyone concerned?

We are constantly considering that matter, and are trying to find means by which it is possible to make them available to the public and the Press.

Are the information and the conclusions reached by the Council circulated to the firms whose names are on the special list?

I cannot say definitely without notice whether this information is, but I have no doubt that that is the object of the circular, and that the information available will be given to them.