16. Miss Wardasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to act on any of the suggestions contained in the report on export trade presented by the Association of British Chambers of Commerce?
§ Mr. StanleyAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade informed a representative deputation from the association in February last, His Majesty's Government are in full sympathy with the objects of the report, namely, the promotion of this country's export trade and the restoration of the freedom of international trade to the greatest possible extent, as well as with the view expressed that the fullest use should be made in trade negotiations of this country's buying power; though I would add that in pursuing this policy His Majesty's Government must consider the case of each country by itself. I could not undertake within the compass of a Parliamentary answer to deal with the numerous particular suggestions contained in the report, but the hon. Lady can be assured that they will be borne in mind with a view to their being applied so far as is found practicable and appropriate.
Miss WardIn view of the importance of the recommendations and the increase in value of our export trade, would my right hon. Friend consider arranging, through the proper channels, a debate, in order that the details may be considered?
§ Mr. StanleyA debate was arranged through the ordinary channels the week 1986 before last on the Estimate of the Board of Trade, and the whole question of the export trade was discussed by hon. Members who were then present.
Miss WardCould we have a debate on the specific recommendations which are made in the report on this matter?
§ Mr. StanleyI think an opportunity was taken then to refer fully to the different methods to be adopted to help our exports.