HC Deb 29 November 1961 vol 650 cc433-4
22. Mr. Gower

asked the Lord Privy Seal what plans he has for expanding the commercial counsellor service in British Embassies in countries to which the United Kingdom is seeking to direct its export drive; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heath

Ways in which the commercial officers of the Foreign Service can contribute to the expansion of British markets overseas are regularly reviewed in consultation both with the Board of Trade and with British industry. Our commercial officers are deployed in the light of these consultations.

Mr. Gower

In view of the widespread appreciation of this Service and in view of our tremendous need for expanding exports, is there not a case for consider- ing an increase in the extent of this Service?

Mr. Heath

I am grateful for the tribute which my hon. Friend has paid to the members of this Service, who are doing excellent work, as I have constantly seen when overseas, in helping our exports. We are always considering whether we can improve the Service.

Sir C. Osborne

Will my right hon. Friend be careful not to ask these commercial counsellors to do a job which is beyond their powers, remembering that it is not what they can do, but price and quality and delivery which will make the difference to whether we sell abroad? Will he remember that these officers cannot influence these things and will he appeal to British industry to set these things right before he asks—

Mr. Speaker

It is not for this Minister to make appeals to British industry.