Board of Trade

The Board of Trade, also called Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, was established by the English king William III in 1696 to replace the Lords of Trade, a governmental advisory body created in 1675 to supervise mercantile affairs in the colonies. Though it lacked executive or legislative powers, the Board of Trade became the primary policy-making and administrative agency in the British government's attempt to make the American colonies profitable and tractable. It vetted colonial legislation, nominated royal governors and other high officials, made recommendations to Parliament and the Privy Council about colonial affairs, and heard complaints from the colonies about imperial administration. It was comprised of eight salaried members and eight unpaid members selected by the Privy Council. The Board of Trade managed colonial affairs until 1779 and was abolished three years later.

"Board of Trade." Encyclopedia Britannica. www.search.eb.com/EBchecked/topic/601629/Board-of-Trade.