HC Deb 15 April 1965 vol 710 cc1644-5
16. Mr. Dell

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many proposals for market research projects have been submitted to the British National Export Council by trade associations or chambers of commerce; and how many of these proposals have been approved for the purpose of Government grant.

Mr. Jay

Six, of which one has so far been approved. The others are being examined.

Mr. Dell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although these projects may give useful background information, they are not likely to be very useful to specific companies? Will the Government consider ways of giving help to research projects directly useful to the exports of specific companies?

Mr. Jay

Yes, we are examining that, but if we move from general market research projects to schemes affecting particular companies we are more likely to get into the arena of export subsidies, and we are very anxious in this matter to keep to our international obligations.