HC Deb 23 July 1969 vol 787 cc1706-7
14. Mr. Blaker

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much of the loan capital made available to the Overseas Marketing Corporation has been drawn upon; and if he will make a statement.

39. Mr. Stainton

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what countries the Overseas Marketing Corporation has already set up marketing offices; and to which countries it proposes to extend its operations.

40. Mr. Stainton

asked the President of the Board of Trade in how many cases the Overseas Marketing Corporation has so far been successful in bringing together British manufacturers and foreign buyers; and what size of British firms have been involved.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

So far, the Overseas Marketing Corporation has drawn on £225,000 of the loan capital made available to it. The corporation has set up marketing offices in France, Germany and Italy; it has an interest in a distributorship in Sweden and has representatives active in Eastern Europe. The question of representation in other countries is a matter for commercial judgment by the corporation, but it is at present consolidating its position in Europe. The corporation is, of course, concentrating on manufacturers of goods for which export opportunities exist who lack marketing resources and expertise.

Mr. Blaker

How do these developments compare with the rate of progress which was anticipated when the corporation was set up 20 months ago?

Mrs. Dunwoody

It is difficult to make theoretical comparisons. The corporation has been very active in setting up an efficient and workmanlike set of distributorships throughout Europe, and, as far as we can see, they are beginning to work extremely well.

Mr. Stainton

May I put to the Parliamentary Secretary a question on an article which appeared in the Daily Telegraph on 11th June, the author of which expresses deep concern at not being able to get a release or report from the corporation? I appreciate that the corporation is autonomous, but does not the Parliamentary Secretary regard this as a deplorable state of affairs?

Mrs. Dunwoody

We must accept that if the unit was set up as a commercial unit, which it was, it does publish certain figures. If the hon. Gentleman has a particular instance which he would like us to investigate, we will certainly do so.