§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking in respect of Buy British initiatives consequent on the foot and mouth outbreak. [160502]
§ Ms HewittBritish Trade International are working with MAFF and the Foreign Office and Food for Britain to ensure foreign markets for British food products remain open whenever possible. An additional £18 million has been provided by DCMS to the British Tourist Authority and English Tourism Council to help promote tourism in domestic and overseas markets.
Efforts by rural businesses to strengthen the marketing of their products may also be eligible for support under the £50 million rural business recovery fund to be managed by RDAs which was announced on Monday 7 May. The Small Business Service telephone helpline is also providing advice to businesses affected by foot and mouth disease which may include assistance on marketing and the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme has been extended to help rural businesses suffering cash flow problems.