§ 64. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will name the British industrial missions which, during the past three years, have visited oversea markets and on their 971 return emphasised in their reports the need for reduction of costs of production in addition to their recommendations for improved marketing methods; and whether costs have been materially reduced in the trades specified in the reports?
§ Mr. GILLETTI would refer the hon. Member to my statement in this House yesterday during the proceedings of the Supply Committee. The Missions to the Far East, South Africa and the Rhodesias and to Egypt, have all emphasised the need for securing reduction of costs. The hon. Member can rest assured that the attention of those concerned in United Kingdom export trade have been drawn to these recommendations and that the problem is being dealt with; but it is impossible to give specific details of reductions which have taken place.