HC Deb 14 February 1961 vol 634 cc1236-7
49. Mr. Gower

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the institution of national certificates, or awards, to be granted annually to the company or firm which attains the most meritorious export achievement, to the company or firm which achieves the largest proportionate increase in its export trade, and to the company or firm which is most successful in a new market in a foreign country.

Mr. N. Macpherson

My right hon. Friend is considering various suggestions of this kind.

Mr. Gower

Will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, in his consideration of this proposal, to take account of a wartime precedent by which the excellence of performance of industrial firms was officially recognised?

Mr. Macpherson

Yes. My right hon. Friend will consider that, but my hon. Friend will bear in mind that the war came to an end, whereas it might be difficult to bring any such schemes which might be initiated now to an end.