HC Deb 15 November 1971 vol 826 cc27-8
34. Mrs Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the advantages of the Export Board over the British National Export Council; and how it will improve British exports.

Mr. John Davies

The Export Board will have a much wider range of responsibility than the B.N.E.C. I believe it will be better able to bring to bear the resources provided in support of the exporter.

Mrs. Short

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great concern about the changes he has made, and that since he announced the changes last May, only the chairman of the new authority has been announced? He is a former Tory Minister, and we know of what he is capable. Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that about 4,000 business men have been involved in the activities of the B.N.E.C. and that these have now been deprived of the opportunity to stimulate British exports? Is not this just another example of the powers given to civil servants as opposed to people outside? It is most unsatisfactory.

Mr. Davies

The appointment of the Chairman of the British Export Board has, on the contrary, been very widely welcomed, and rightly welcomed.

Mrs. Short

Not by the B.N.E.C.

Mr. Davies

As regards co-operation and work by the business men in this field—speaking as a long-standing member of the Council—I say with some assurance that the availability of that help would certainly not be withdrawn.

Mr. Emery

Would my right hon. Friend confirm that industry is just as willing to participate in the Export Board which it has widely welcomed, and that there will be such participation by individual business men as there has been in the past with the B.N.E.C.?

Mr. Davies

I can fully confirm that. Generally speaking, business men recognise that the board, which has a very much wider cover in terms of support for promotional activity, is a matter greatly to be welcomed and that it has eliminated duplication.