HC Deb 24 April 1952 vol 499 cc723-4
34. Mr. de Freitas

asked the President of the Board of Trade what facilities are provided by his Department for advice on export market research.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The services of the Commercial Relations and Exports Department of the Board of Trade are at the disposal of exporters who require assistance or advice in conducting export market research. The Department is always prepared to provide for exporters through Her Majesty's commercial representatives overseas broad surveys of the market for specific goods in particular countries abroad. At the stage where exporters require intensive studies of the markets abroad for their products they are advised to use the services of private specialist organisations.

Mr. de Freitas

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what use is made of these facilities and whether it is being increased at the present time?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Very full use is made of these facilities at present, and within the limits which can be covered by an organisation as widely stretched as that all over the world they provide a very useful service. Detailed studies are often carried out by specialist organisations in the countries concerned.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Has my right hon. Friend consulted the merchant adventurer for South Ayrshire on this matter?