HC Deb 16 October 1968 vol 770 cc378-9
45. Mr. Pavitt

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made to offset the Government's import of 11,250 hearing aids from Denmark by an export order of a comparable cost.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mrs. Gwyneth Dun-woody)

None are needed. British firms are as free to compete for business in Denmark as Danish firms are here.

Mr. Pavitt

Is my hon. Friend aware that this has occasioned profound disappointment to British manufacturers who would like to have secured this order, which would have given a solid basis for our overseas exports? Will she give a lead to other Departments to buy British goods?

Mrs. Dunwoody

We always encourage British suppliers to tender when they can provide the right sort of goods. They will get preference if they can compete on equal terms.