| Activity | The Board of trade was established In 1621 under the direction of the King as a committee of enquiry, 'The Committee of Privy Council for Trade and Foreign Plantations'. The Board's main functions are to advise on matters relating to economic activity in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. The Board's responsibilities include: new legislation on patents, trade marks, labour, control of merchant shipping, internal and foreign trade, mines, agriculture, transport, and power. |