HC Deb 09 February 1976 vol 905 cc17-8
13. Mr. Crawford

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what assistance his Department is giving to the forthcoming trade mission being sent by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) to the United States of America to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Mr. Deakins

The Scottish Council (Development and Industry) has been informed that members of a mission under its sponsorship visiting the United States of America in September/October this year will be eligible for financial assistance at the appropriate rate under the Outward Mission Scheme administered by the British Overseas Trade Board.

Mr. Crawford

Will the Minister publicly acknowledge the excellent work that has been done for Scottish industry for many years by the Scottish Council, thus showing what can be done by independent Scottish initiative? Well he consider suggesting to the Scottish Council that it takes with it on temporary loan a copy of Scotland's Declaration of Independence, signed at Arbroath six and a half centuries ago, which would be an excellent complement to the Magna Carta, which it also going to the United States?

Mr. Deakins

I think that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the wrong body or the wrong mission. In the United States at this moment there is a Scottish Council mobile exhibition entitled "The Best of Scotland". It is there for the bicentennial. I should have thought that that was the more appropriate organisation and mission to exhibit any historical documents. However, exports are concerned not with history but with our prosperity today and our ability to deliver to the market on time. It is that to which the Scottish exhibition is directed.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the success of the Scottish Council is due to the fact that it has direct links with the Department of Trade in London? Will he give an assurance that those direct links will not be broken?

Mr. Deakins

The Council has direct links with my Department for outward missions. For other of its activities it is responsible and answerable to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. I believe that is a fair division of responsibility.