HC Deb 01 May 1985 vol 78 c253
14. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what response he is making to the representations made by Mr. Roy Withers, chairman of the Overseas Projects Board, about the nature of Government support for the board; and if he will make a statement on the level of Government support for the board.

Mr. Channon

I shall be discussing its views at a future meeting.

Mr. Dalyell

What consistent support is this country going to give, in terms, for the capital goods industries to make sure that they are no worse than terms offered by our industrial competitors?

Mr. Channon

As the hon. Member will know, we give a great deal of help. There is the projects and export policy division of this Department, which is engaged in trying to help project business; we have the fixed rate export finance scheme by ECGD and we also have the aid and trade provision, which has gone up from £36 million to £66 million a year. So quite a lot of support is given and, in fact, we have won a great many projects.