§ Q7. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Prime Minister if he is now satisfied with arrangements for the co-ordination between Ministers concerned with the 951 export drive; what steps he is taking to improve this co-ordination in order to obtain a further increase in exports; and if he will make a statement.
§ Q9. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the degree of co-ordination of those Departments concerned with exports; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friends already work closely together on these matters, but as I informed the House on 13th October, I have asked my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to devote his attention particularly to the promotion of exports.—[Vol. 788, c. 32.]
§ Mr. RobertsWould my right hon. Friend consider closer co-ordination of the Foreign Office to ensure, for example, that commercial counsellors stay long enough in a country to make more impact on our trade?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that my hon. Friend will be aware of the very big improvements which have been carried out over the past few years by the Foreign Office in respect of the Commercial Diplomatic Service. He will also know of the proposal in the Duncan Report, following its review of the Diplomatic Service, which proposed a still further concentration on the work of exports within Foreign Office posts abroad. This, of course, Her Majesty's Government fully welcome and intend to implement.