asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many officers of the principal assistant secretary grade, assistant secretary grade or equivalent grades are employed in his Department; and why it is not possible to utilise the services of one or more of these officers to deputise for the director of the overseas division during the latter's absence abroad.

The headquarters staff of the Department at present includes five such officers, one of whom is the Deputy-Comptroller-General. The duties already allocated to these officers would not permit the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion.