HC Deb 29 June 1981 vol 7 cc562-3
7. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what contribution his Department is making towards a lower level of public expenditure in the current financial year.

Mr. Biffen

I expect the Department's expenditure to be contained within the cash limit in the current financial year 1981–82,

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the National Consumer Council has recently taken a leading part in international discussions and suggested that industrialised countries are exploiting Third world countries by the dumping of poor quality goods and the use of television propaganda? Does he agree that expenditure by the British taxpayer to promote such discussion is hardly of benefit to the British consumer?

Mr. Biffen

I was not aware of that. My hon. Friend having enlightened the House, I must say that I can think of more compelling claims on the public purse.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend again examine the role of the tourist boards? For example, why cannot the hotel and travel industry undertake the role played by the board?

Mr. Biffen

I assure my hon. Friend that all these matters are considered in a fraternal manner with the Treasury every time the PESC review takes place.