HC Deb 22 November 1967 vol 754 cc1302-3
22. Mr. Pavitt

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will call for reports from his officials attached to High Commission staffs in Commonwealth under-developed countries on the type of vehicles needed to develop and improve transport within the countries concerned and the credit facilities and technical facilities needed to ensure that British-made vehicles are exported.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

High Commission staffs in these countries report regularly on these and other factors affecting the market for vehicles, as do all Diplomatic Service commercial offices abroad. These reports, and information on credit facilities, are readily available here.

Mr. Pavitt

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is one of the initiatives of the car workers organised in the National Union of Vehicle Builders who are anxious to increase our exports? Would she seek to increase the present car exports by getting consultation at the planning stage in countries like India, where they have five-year plans and can, therefore, anticipate demand?

Mrs. Dunwoody

We are always anxious to do everything we can to assist the under-developed countries. The policy of Her Majesty's Government is that aid should be given to the under-developed countries and it is for the recipient Government to decide how they wish to use it.