HC Deb 21 December 1961 vol 651 cc1550-1
23. Mr. W. Yates

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what days this year he met the National Production Advisory Council on Industry; whether export incentive schemes were on the agenda of those meetings; what action was decided upon; and if he will make a statement.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Anthony Barber)

On 3rd February, 5th May, and 10th November. There was also a meeting on 21st July at which the Chair was taken by my right hon. Friend, the then President of of the Board of Trade.

Although export incentive schemes were not on the agenda as a separate item at these meetings, there was a general and useful discussion at each of them on the subject of export promotion. It was agreed that it was not in the interests of the United Kingdom to adopt subsidies or preferential tax arrangements for exporters.

Mr. Yates

In view of that reply, may I ask how the Midlands industries will be able to compete with their opposite numbers either in the Common Market or in West Germany? Will the Minister get this right? If the financial policies of the Chancellor of the Exchequer do not command the confidence of British exporters or of the trade unions, or the respect of the City, he must realise that it is high time that the Chancellor accepted an earldom.

Mr. Barber

That supplementary question goes far wider than the Question on the Order Paper which asked whether export incentive schemes were discussed by this Council. I would only say to my hon. Friend that from my own knowledge—and I do get around quite a lot—I think he is taking far too pessimistic a view of what people—industry, trade unions and others—think of the financial policy of my right hon. and learned Friend.

Mr. Yates

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the President of the Board of Trade has just replied that the Government are not responsible for export trade policy? If that is so, who is responsible for the export trade policy of Her Majesty's Government? Will the hon. Gentleman answer that?

Mr. Barber

What my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is trying to do is to pursue an economic policy which will provide the right climate for our exporters. Indeed, if my hon. Friend will look back at what my right hon. and learned Friend said when he introduced his measures on 25th July this year, he will see that this was one of the aspects which were foremost in his mind.