asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost of the Government reception to overseas buyers at Lancaster House on 17th May; how many people were present; what percentage of those present were overseas buyers; and what percentage officials of the Board of Trade.

It is not the practice to publish figures of cost in the case of Government hospitality. Three hundred and fifty-two people were present at this reception of whom about 23 per cent. were overseas buyers, and about 7 per cent. officials of the Board of Trade.