§ 15. Mr. Skinnardasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the great value to British exporters of the Survey for British Consumer Goods in the U.S.A., which "Time and Life" conducted in association with the British Export Trade Research Organisation, whether he will consider the advisability of commissioning B.E.T.R.O. to carry out similar surveys in relation to the consumer capacity of other countries.
§ Mr. H. WilsonB.E.T.R.O. was started by private industry with the support of the Board of Trade, with the object of undertaking the kind of market research exemplified by the survey referred to by my hon. Friend. Such detailed research is considered to be beyond the normal functions of the Government overseas service and I do not think, therefore, that I would be justified in adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion. I am pleased to acknowledge the value of the "Time-Life" survey in the hope that manufacturers and their organisations disposing of market research funds may consider placing commissions with B.E.T.R.O.
§ Mr. SkinnardWill the Minister consider linking the work of the export sections of his own Ministry with that of B.E.T.R.O., in order to see whether in the various countries similar surveys can be carried out?
§ Mr. WilsonThe export promotion department and B.E.T.R.O. are very closely linked, both in this country and overseas. There is a very close working arrangement between B.E.T.R.O. and our commercial representatives overseas.
§ Mr. MaclayIs the Minister satisfied that the results of the survey have been brought to the attention of the maximum number of potential British exporters?
§ Mr. WilsonYes, Sir. My Department are at the present time discussing that survey with each of the industries covered by the survey.