HC Deb 29 April 1965 vol 711 cc608-9
17. Mr. Dell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now make a statement on the study carried out by the British National Export Council and the Board of Trade on the feasibility of establishing a marketing organisation for the purpose of promoting the exports of companies which either do not at present export at all or which export only to a limited extent.

Mr. Redhead

The market research necessary before decisions can be taken is currently being carried out on the West Coast of the United States of America, in British Columbia and in West Germany.

Mr. Dell

Can the Minister explain exactly what these tests of feasibility are? Is not the only real way of testing this idea to try it out in a specific market?

Mr. Redhead

We are engaging eminent consultants in this field as we feel it necessary, for the B.N.E.C. to reach sound conclusions as to a scheme of this character, to do preliminary market research.

Sir C. Osborne

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that those who have been exporting for many years know that the key to exports is prices and that unless prices come down we cannot increase our exports? How can we get prices down when wages keep going up for the same work?

Mr. Speaker

We are talking about this feasibility study.

Sir C. Osborne

With respect, Mr. Speaker. I am the last to challenge your Ruling in this House, but I thought that question perfectly in order.

Mr. Speaker

I fear that to my regret our views differ, but I will look at it.