§ 29. Mr. Juddasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken following the Duncan Report to promote trade in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
§ Mr. MasonThe emphasis of our trade promotion in these areas has not changed since the Government received the Duncan Report in July, 1969.
§ Mr. JuddWill my right hon. Friend confirm that, as far as his Department is concerned, the sections of the report dealing with such areas were crassly shortsighted and are completely dead and buried, and that the Department will take every opportunity to promote British exports to these future vitally important markets?
§ Mr. MasonWe certainly do not accept the sharp distinctions in the Duncan Report. Our trade promotion efforts continue to be supported in these markets. Since the report came out last July, a total of 38 missions have been approved by the British National Export Council to these areas.
§ Mr. David HowellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree, in addition to the point that a growing body of opinion thinks that this aspect of the Duncan Report is completely on the wrong lines, that, instead of trying to turn our diplomatic service into business, far more 1424 would be achieved by giving our businessmen and salesmen greater tax incentives to be exporters?
§ Mr. MasonI am afraid that the hon. Gentleman himself went on the wrong tack at the end of his supplementary question. It is right that more of our representatives abroad should be commercially-minded. I am satisfied that, with the 210 such posts that we now have abroad, a change has taken place to the benefit of our exports.