HC Deb 11 December 1956 vol 562 c196
2. Mr. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what help is given by his Department to enable exporters to obtain publicity for their products abroad.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The facilities of the Overseas Information Services are freely available to all exporters who can provide the Board of Trade with material of news value. In addition, the Board and overseas posts will advise exporters about advertising agents and methods in particular markets.

Mr. Russell

If I understand my right hon. Friend correctly, his officers provide industries with information about opportunities for their products. Cannot those officers help industries on their own initiative, without waiting for the industries to ask them?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The Overseas Information Services disseminate material of news value. On the general question of advertising, we cannot, of course, advise manufacturers how to advertise their goods. That is their own choice. We can advise them about agents and about particular problems in particular markets.